Registered Apprenticeship Launched for Cooks

ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce program of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH), and Wentworth by the Sea Hotel are partnering with Nashua Community College (NCC) and Great Bay Community College (GBCC) to begin offering a Restaurant Cook Registered Apprenticeship program.

Using ApprenticeshipNH’s “earn while you learn” model, apprentices will have the opportunity to begin a new career in the culinary industry while completing coursework, developing new skills and simultaneously earning a wage, enabling Wentworth by the Sea Hotel to fill in-demand culinary positions.

The three-year Restaurant Cook program combines over 6,000 hours of on-the-job training for restaurant and line cooks with 478 hours of coursework in culinary at NCC and in hospitality at GBCC. Each apprentice will be paired with a chef mentor at Wentworth by the Sea Hotel who will support them through each stage of the program to learn and master planning, preparing and cooking a variety of meals. As a competency-based program, apprentices will have the opportunity for progressive wage increases.

“Creating a partnership with a historic grand resort like Wentworth by the Sea Hotel will bring outstanding opportunities to area students looking for employment in a world-class property in the hospitality industry,” said Tracey Jackson, CCSNH ApprenticeshipNH grant manager. “What a perfect time to start a new career during the height of New Hampshire’s summer tourist season, gain invaluable learning experiences and become part of this high-demand workforce in New Hampshire.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for cooks is projected to grow 26 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations and signaling strong employment opportunities.

“Wentworth by the Sea Hotel began exploring apprenticeship opportunities in 2019 and was ready to finalize the registered apprenticeship program but it was forced to be put on hold,” said Executive Chef Lee Michael of Wentworth by the Sea Hotel. “Partnering with CCSNH and ApprenticeshipNH will allow us fill critical culinary roles at Wentworth by the Sea Hotel during our busy summer season. Successful Cook Apprentices will be motivated with an eye for detail, a high sense of team spirit, pride and the drive and desire to not just meet but exceed guest's expectations to be successful in the hospitality industry with opportunities for growth and advancement at our location as well as over 100 sister properties.”

As a Registered Apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Office of Apprenticeship, Wentworth by the Sea and their apprentices participate in an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.