Earn While You Learn

BY CARRIE LEISHMAN

IF YOU ARE LIKE ONE IN THREE AMERICANS, your first job was in the restaurant industry—the nation’s second-largest private-sector employer, according to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). In Delaware, restaurants are the largest private sector employer. The Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) is leading workforce development initiatives to help support a business sector with over 52,000 Delawareans who work in restaurants.

While restaurant staffing levels remain below pre-pandemic levels, millions of people nationwide are employed in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Employment opportunities for restaurant managers, kitchen managers, and line cooks are projected to grow significantly through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data and industry projections. Delaware remains down over 1,000 industry positions from pre-pandemic levels but has a need to fill an estimated 5,000 jobs— 10% more than the current available workforce—within the next ten years.

The DRA—largely through the work of its philanthropic foundation, the Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF)—is known for its successful support of the state’s ProStart Program, an educational pathway with 3,000 Delaware students studying for careers in culinary and hospitality management in 21 high schools and correctional facilities.

Apprenticeship is a win-win for both the employee and their company. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the NRAEF’s 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. The DRA/DRF has partnered again with the NRAEF, Delaware Department of Labor, and Delaware

Department of Education to provide apprenticeship programs to both youth and adult populations in Delaware.

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. Delaware was one of four states chosen to pilot this restaurant apprenticeship program for youth entering the industry, giving apprentices the opportunity to explore industry pathways while earning federal journeyman papers and additional industry-recognized credentials.

In addition, 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. 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.

The goal is to attract people into the industry and have them develop the related training instruction, the on-the-job learning, and employability skills necessary for a successful career. With the support of a nationallyrecognized and accredited training, the DRF provides the tools and support to help guide employees to fulfilling careers in the hospitality industry. n

Carrie Leishman is the president and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) and its philanthropic arm, The Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (DRAEF).