News

19 chains signed up for 1st NRA apprenticeship

September 19, 2017

Shakey's Pizza and Firehouse Subs are among the brands that have committed to registering nearly 500 restaurant and hotel apprentices in the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship program organized by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

The first-of-its-kind program was jointly developed by the foundation and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, a news release said. The earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship offering was created especially for the foodservice and lodging industries, which now employ 22.7 million people in the U.S. 

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the HSRA contract to the organizations last year and has issued a letter of intent to renew the contract next year, as well, the news release said.  

"Apprenticeships will create more affordable job training and career development opportunities for the millions of Americans who work in restaurants, foodservice and hospitality," NRAEF Executive Vice Presidnt Rob Gifford said in the release. "This initiative is a win-win for both businesses looking for a well-trained workforce with standardized skills and those seeking certification across multiple middle-income or higher positions."

In alphabetical order, the companies committed to this first apprenticeship class include: 

1. B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group

2. Chipotle

3. Fatz Café

4. Firehouse Subs

5. Golden Corral

6. Hilton

7. Hyatt

8. Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant

9. J. W. Ebert Corporation

10. OTO Development

11. Real Hospitality Group 

12. Shakey’s USA

13. Spire Hospitality

14. Stonebridge Companies

15. Taco Mac

16. The Hotel Group

17. Vesta Hospitality

18. Westin Jekyll Island (New Castle Hotels and Resorts)

19. Wyndham Hotel Group