The hospitality workforce of tomorrow starts here in Virginia. As the leading voice of Virginia’s hospitality industry, VRLTA is excited to lead a new chapter in hospitality workforce development in collaboration with National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and Virginia Works (Virginia Department of Labor and Industry). We are proud to offer U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships to build, retain, and empower the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Whether you’re an independent restaurant, a multi-unit operation, or a hospitality employer looking to build your pipeline, these registered apprenticeships offer a turnkey talent development solution that supports your business and your employees.
Apprenticeship Tracks Now Available:
These U.S. Department of Labor–recognized apprenticeships are competency-based, meaning apprentices progress as they master specific skills - not just based on hours worked. They were developed alongside the NRAEF's Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC), and each program requires a minimum of six months to complete. This allows the apprentices to advance at a pace that matches their mastery of essential job skills.
*Youth-Registered Apprenticeships are managed and supervised in collaboration with Virginia ProStart
Why Apprenticeships Matter
As a member of VRLTA, you know that workforce challenges affect every corner of the hospitality industry. These registered apprenticeships provide your business with a structured, supported way to develop talent from within, reduce turnover, and show your team that hospitality is more than a job- it’s a rewarding lifelong career.
These programs are structured to combine paid, on-the-job learning with industry-vetted instruction tailored to real-world restaurant and hospitality environments. Some of the employer benefits include:
- No cost to become a registered apprenticeship site
- On average, 80% retention rate among apprentices
- Customized technical support from VRLTA, NRAEF, and Virginia DOLI
- Instructional support included – Related Technical Instruction (RTI) is provided through our partnership with the NRAEF
- Exclusive access to youth apprenticeship through ProStart
- Marketing and recognition through VRLTA communications
Upon completion, apprentices earn professional certifications from: The U.S. Department of Labor, Virginia Works, and The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. These nationally recognized credentials validate their expertise and elevate your brand as an employer of choice.
Backed by the Commonwealth: DOLI + Virginia Works
This apprenticeship program is officially registered with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Registered Apprenticeship Division (Virginia Works). As a state-recognized program:
- Apprentices must be paid employees
- Employers commit to safe, mentored training environments
- Apprentices receive at least one scheduled wage increase as skills improve (you set the pace)
- DOLI apprenticeship consultants are available to help support and guide your site setup
Building a Talent Pipeline Through ProStart
We’re building bridges from the classroom to the kitchen. The Youth Registered Apprenticeship (YRA) model offers students aged 16–17 a seamless transition from high school culinary programs into paid positions within Virginia’s hospitality industry. Through the YRA track, VRLTA helps connect students with real-world hospitality employers like you. This initiative empowers young talents to "earn while they learn," laying the foundation for a homegrown, robust career in hospitality. The model also helps students build technical skills, confidence, and commitment to the hospitality field.
For employers, YRA is a strategic investment in long-term workforce stability. By engaging young talent early and supporting their career development, businesses can build loyalty, improve retention, and shape the next generation of skilled hospitality professionals from the ground up. This isn’t just an internship—it’s the first step in cultivating future industry leaders.
Hire a student. Grow a professional. Strengthen our industry.
"The Stockpot is very excited to be partnering with VRLTA and the NRA to offer apprenticeships to our staff. We believe this is an incredible opportunity to build a stronger, more developed staff by investing in hands-on, industry recognized training for both current and new employees. People are the most important part of any restaurant, and we are excited to offer a benefit that movs their careers forward and develop essential skills that can translate both in further positions with us, or in the industry as a whole.
- Amber Kotska, Executive Vice President, The Stockpot
Ready to Cook up Success?
Whether you're a long-time VRLTA member or new to our network, this is your opportunity to develop your team, strengthen your business, and help shape the future of Virginia hospitality. This commitment enhances employee satisfaction and retention while raising service standards across our industry. Together, we can build a sustainable talent pipeline, reduce hiring costs, and support your team’s growth from within.