Description

This informational webinar will introduce hospitality employers, educators, and workforce partners to the Registered Apprenticeship Programs available through the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). 

During the webinar, you can expect to learn about:

￭ Program Overview: Apprenticeship pathways include Line Cook, Kitchen Manager, Restaurant Manager, and Youth Registered Apprenticeships (for high school ProStart students). Programs are competency-based, typically completed in 6–12 months, and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

￭ Employer Benefits: No registration cost, access to technical instruction via NRAEF’s RHLC, DOLI support, wage progression models, and access to a strong talent pipeline. Employers benefit from improved retention—up to 80% of apprentices stay on after program completion.

￭ On-the-Job Learning: Apprentices are paid employees receiving hands-on experience and mentorship while completing required technical instruction online.

￭ Youth Registered Apprenticeships (YRA): Special focus on 16–17-year-old high school students in ProStart—helping them transition into real-world hospitality jobs with long-term career potential.

￭ Getting Started: VRLTA assists employers with setup and connects them to DOLI consultants for registration and compliance. Enrollment is simple via an online interest form.

￭ Success Stories: Hear from employers like The Stockpot, who are already seeing the benefits of investing in apprenticeships.

Featured Speakers:

Zach Douglass Program Coordinator, National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

Zach Douglass is a Program Coordinator at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). With over three years of experience working on USDOL Registered Apprenticeship grants and contracts, Zach collaborates with restaurant and foodservice employers nationwide to implement the NRAEF’s restaurant apprenticeship programs at their businesses. Zach also works with ProStart schools and community-based organizations to connect their participants with apprenticeship employers to start their career journeys in the industry. He collaborates closely with State Restaurant Associations on their state-level apprenticeship efforts, offering dedicated technical assistance and support for state partners and employers. Zach received his BA in Political Science from Christopher Newport University.

Registration closes 5:00 PM on November 5th, 2025