Earn while you learn - building a career in the restaurant industry
The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) apprenticeship programs provide both new and current restaurant and foodservice employees the opportunity to advance their careers and move into high-paying line cook and management positions. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeship is a win-win for both the employee and their company.
The Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (DRAEF) has partnered with the NRAEF and the Delaware Department of Labor and Education to provide Apprenticeship Programs to both youth and adult populations in DE.
Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship (RYRA) aims to connect young people (aged 17-24) to the nation’s second-largest private-sector employer — restaurants — through industry apprenticeships like Restaurant Management and Line Cook, and complementary services that support growth and achievement. RYRA is offered in Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, and Maryland.
The Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA) program provides both new and current restaurant and foodservice employees the opportunity to advance their careers and move into higher-paying management positions.
How it works
In partnership with employers of all sizes, apprentices participate in a competency-based program involving on-the-job training and traditional classroom work. As each skill and competency is mastered, apprentices advance in the program until all competencies are documented and completed. Depending on the ability and experience of the apprentice, the program takes approximately two years to complete.
Hiring opportunities with RYRA Employer Partners
Employers marked with an asterisk (*) have apprentices.
High 5 Hospitality
Big Fish Restaurant Group
High 5 Hospitality
Hyatt Place
Harrington Raceway & Casino
Big Fish Restaurant Group
Platinum Dining Group
Ashby Hospitality Group
High 5 Hospitality
Two Stones Pub
Big Fish Restaurant Group
Big Fish Restaurant Group
- Big Fish Grill
- Big Fish Market
- Salt Air*
- Crab House
- Sting Ray
- Market Craft Catering
- Sazio
- Obie’s By The Sea
High 5 Hospitality
Platinum Dining Group
Harry’s Hospitality Group
Big Fish Restaurant Group
- Big Fish Grill
- Trolley Square Oyster House
- Mikimotos
- Torbert Street Social
- Washington Street Ale House
- Riverfront Events
- Taco Grande
Janssen’s Market
High 5 Hospitality
Sheraton Downtown Wilmington
Embassy Suites Hilton
We are currently onboarding additional employer partners. To connect with any of our RYRA Employer Partners email Ruthann at: ruthann@delawarerestaurant.org