PRLA Spring 2019

Spring 2019 • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters •  25 Who qualifies for an apprenticeship? Qualified apprentices must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED equivalency and follow any other prerequisites that exist for the employer running the apprenticeship program. Employers can bring current employees into the apprenticeship program or make new hires, whichever they prefer. What are the benefits for employees? In addition to gaining valuable industry skills, the apprentice will receive two nationally recognized professional certificates from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship and either the NRAEF or ALHA at the conclusion of the apprenticeship. Lodging apprentices also will have the opportunity to earn two additional certificates from the AHLA. • How do I get started? Simple. If you are a restaurant, contact John Shortt, jshortt@nraef.org. If you are a hotel, contact Shelly Weir, sweir@ahla.com. John and Shelly will set up a consultation with you to review the details of the program and answer any questions you might have. They will make the process as simple as possible for you implement.