May 2024 Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center Newsletter
Jim Wilson
Director of Professional Advancement at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)
Latest News
Welcome to the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) newsletter. This monthly newsletter highlights the work that the RHLC team and our partners are doing in the world of registered apprenticeship in the restaurant and hospitality fields. Have something you would like to include in next month’s newsletter? Send it to us here: [email protected] ?
Happy Youth Apprenticeship Week!
This week is the inaugural Youth Apprenticeship Week! ?We are currently working with 5 states as a part of our Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship (RYRA) grant. 5 Days. 5 RYRA states. The RHLC team will be highlighting each RYRA state throughout the week. Here is the schedule:
Check out our social media channels to learn about what is happening in the world of Youth Apprenticeship in each state.?
Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Pre-Apprenticeship Video ?
The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association recently released a video highlighting the pre-apprentices at Lebanon County Career & Tech Center , one of their restaurant pre-apprenticeship school partners: ?
Meet With the RHLC Team at the National Restaurant Association Show
Are you attending the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago? Want to learn more about apprenticeships? Courtney, Jim and Mindy will be attending this year's Show to meet with restaurant operators from around the county to discuss how apprenticeships could help their workforce woes. Download the Show app (Apple or Google Play) and set up a time to meet with us to learn more. ? ??
Jim will also be co-presenting with Dr. Chad Moutray , Vice President of Research and Knowledge with the National Restaurant Association on Saturday, May 18th at 12:00PM in the National Restaurant Association booth. ?
RHLC Highlighted in the Illinois Business Journal ?
The Illinois Business Journal has an article discussing our partnership with the Madison County Employment & Training and Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau This quote from David Faro, MPA with the National Restaurant Association sums it up best:
"Across the country, people are talking about apprenticeships in a different way than they did when I was in high school or even when my kids were younger,” he added. “Right now, the apprenticeship framework is gaining a lot of momentum for people in hospitality careers to have an illuminated career pathway, meaningful industry connections, and meaningful industry certifications. This is a powerful way for opportunity populations to enter the industry and thrive.”
Employer Spotlight - Platinum Dining Group?
The NRAEF is pleased to recognize Platinum Dining Group in Delaware for three years of partnership to implement registered apprenticeships. Since 2021, Platinum Dining Group has trained 12 youth apprentices, four of whom have already completed their apprenticeship. One apprentice who completed the Line Cook program has advanced to the Kitchen Manager training at Platinum Dining Group. Platinum Dining Group CEO Carl Georigi explains what motivated his business to get involved with the NRAEF’s Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship program, “We saw it as a great opportunity to help shape, develop, and mentor our state's youth—particularly those who are interested in careers in hospitality. It gave us the ability to educate them during their more formative years and help them move forward in their careers. We love what we do, have a passion for our industry, and wanted to share it with like-minded individuals.” Read more about Georigi’s insights on apprenticeship partnership experience - “Grown Your Own Powerhouse Team through Apprenticeship” and watch the “Journey to Apprenticeship” video featuring apprentices and staff at Platinum Dining Group.
Apprentice Spotlight - Sarah Benko
Sarah Benko, a line cook apprentice with White Lodging at the JW Marriott Indianapolis Downtown was recently interviewed for White Lodging's company-wide F&B Newsletter: ??
Sarah Benko joined White Lodging in February of 2022 as one of our very first Culinary Apprentices at Marriott Indianapolis, and recently earned the position of Sous Chef at Connor's Kitchen and Bar. Though she was interested in archeology and ancient civilizations as a child, she found her place in the School of Tourism & Hospitality at Indiana University. ?Sarah is just one success story in the journey of the Apprenticeship program, which continues to expand throughout our culinary teams. ?
Sarah, congrats on your recent promotion! Tell me a little about your journey with White Lodging.
Well, I was finishing up my degree and was looking for a position somewhere in hospitality, and my aunt was actually friends with MieYoung [HR Director for Marriott Indianapolis]. She made the connection, and Chef Spence and Chef Josh decided I would be a good candidate for the Apprenticeship. For the first six months, I was mostly learning in the kitchen, including techniques and how to operate in banquets. After my year was up, I finished as a Cook III, and just about a month later, was promoted to Supervisor. ?? ?
And now you're in the restaurant! I bet that's been a big change?
The restaurant is much more fast-paced, and there are different types of cooks and personalities. I’m learning a lot. I love the opportunity to learn and grow.
Who have been your mentors and inspirations along the way?
Definitely Chef Joshua Grant. ?He was the main chef who gave me mentorship, taught me how you handle people in certain situations, and how to troubleshoot issues in banquet operations. He did a great job as a leader for everyone and providing a positive culture. He also taught me to make people want to be there and be committed to making the best quality food. There are two people who I don't know as well, but admire their leadership. ?One is Ryan Miller. He has a confidence and leadership qualities that I would like to have. ?He makes you feel like everything is under control. I'm working with Chef Sebastian right now; I appreciate his approach to the kitchen. He is outspoken, and I appreciate that he holds people accountable. He has high standards for chefs and cooks alike. ?
What are some of your most memorable moments?
From my time in banquets, there are a few...The JW once had a 2,000 person plate-up, and we combined teams from both hotels to pull it off. ?It was really cool to participate in. There was also a large event where we had made gallons of chocolate panna cotta, and I spilled half of it on the floor right before service. Maybe not the best memory, but I’ll never forget it!
How would you describe the White Lodging Culture to someone who might join the company?
White Lodging is a company with high integrity. They empower their employees to be successful. I love their drive for innovation and continuous improvement involving operations, guest relations, and much more.? Also, "Living with Genuine Care" is so important. ?This is the most caring workplace I’ve been in, and I live that daily, trying to show people that I care and allowing for development.?
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How about advice for new culinarians?
Don’t let your mistakes overcome you. You can push past that. Have fun! Being in a kitchen is one of the best experiences in the world. ?If you truly love it, embrace it. Have respect. ?Have respect for the food, for safety, for the chefs and for your coworkers.
May is Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month! Did you know the NRAEF’s Restaurant Management apprenticeship program can now serve as on-the-job training through the Veteran Apprenticeship and Labor Opportunity Reform (VALOR) Act. Through VALOR, Restaurant Management apprenticeship is now approved for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which provides veterans with educational assistance. Veteran apprentices have access to a tax-free monthly housing stipend while enrolled. These benefits make it easier for veterans to work in restaurants, enroll in apprenticeship, and immediately advance in their careers. Learn more about apprenticeship opportunities for veterans approved by the U.S. Department of Labor here: Where Are You on Your Path to Apprenticeship?
Learn more about the other NRAEF's Military programs here: NRAEF Military Programs
RHLC at the National ProStart Invitational
On April 26-28 the RHLC team was able to attend the National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore, MD to discuss how the ProStart Program can lead to an apprenticeship. NPSI had over 400 students and 88 educators from 48 states. ?
Tip of the Month?
Create a Window Cling/Sticker for Your Sites - The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association created a window cling for their apprenticeship employers to highlight that they are an Approved Apprenticeship Employer Site.??
April Employer Partners
We are lucky to work with several employer partners. Here are some exciting updates from last month:
Employers with Registered Apprentices: These employers officially registered apprentices in the month of April:
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New Employer Partners: These employers signed letters of agreement in the month of April:
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Contact the Team
Jim Wilson , Director, Professional Advancement
Courtney Harris , Senior Professional Advancement Manager (HSRA)
Mindy Larson Crystal , Senior Professional Advancement Manager (RYRA)
Mary Kate Pierpoint , Professional Advancement Coordinator
Zach Douglass , Professional Advancement Coordinator
LaTasha Mitchell ,?Equal Employment Opportunity Consultant
Andrew S. , Data & Project Assistant
RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP CENTER SAVE THE DATES
May 5-11, 2024 - Youth Apprenticeship Week - Click Here for More Information
Wednesday, May 15 (3:00PM EST) - NRAEF Apprenticeship Information Session - Click Here to Register
Saturday, May 18 (12:00PM CST) - The Power of Apprenticeship to Address the Workforce Shortage?- The National Restaurant Association Show
Wednesday, June 5 (11:00AM EST) - NRAEF Apprenticeship Information Session - Click Here to Register
Wednesday, June 19 (3:00PM EST) - NRAEF Apprenticeship Information Session- Click Here to Register
Get Apprentice Registration Support Every Tuesday at 2:30 pm EST
Any employer or apprentice is invited to attend the NRAEF’s weekly office hours for apprentice registration support. ?Please sign up in advance by contacting Zach Douglass . Need a different time? Contact Zach to schedule an appointment convenient for you.
Director of Human Resources - Platinum Dining Group
9 个月Platinum Dining Group is proud to be a part of the apprenticeship program. There are some amazing young leaders out there and we appreciate being a part of their growth in this industry!