Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship (RYRA)

Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship (RYRA)

Funder: Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF) in partnership with National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) and Delaware Department of Labor and Education

Funding Source: U.S. Department of Labor

Geographic Scope: Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, and Maryland

Purpose: Connect young people to restaurant industry careers through paid apprenticeships and career advancement opportunities.

Target Population

• Young people aged 17-24
• Both new and current restaurant and foodservice employees

Program Details

• Apprenticeship Tracks: Restaurant Management and Line Cook positions
• Duration: Approximately 2 years to complete (varies based on apprentice ability and experience)
• Model: Competency-based program combining:
- On-the-job training with employers - Traditional classroom work - Advancement upon mastery of each skill/competency
• Employer Partners: Multiple restaurants and hospitality businesses across Delaware participate
• Win-Win Model: Benefits both employees (career advancement, paid training) and employers (skilled workforce)

Complementary Services

• Support services to help apprentices grow and achieve

Contact Information

• Email: ruthann@delawarerestaurant.org (to connect with employer partners)
• Phone: (302) 738-2545
• Address: 420 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901