OPINION: The power of apprenticeships in building successful careers

OPINION: The power of apprenticeships in building successful careers (Courtesy of Midland Daily News) –As someone who started my journey in the restaurant industry as a 12-year-old dishwasher, I’ve spent nearly my entire life learning, growing, and witnessing firsthand the profound impact that quality career pathways can have on individuals and entire industries.

Now, with several restaurants under my ownership and roles on the boards of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Education Foundation, I’m more committed than ever to ensuring the next generation of hospitality industry leaders have access to the opportunities that helped me succeed.

As an industry leader, I want to recognize the transformative role that apprenticeship programs play. From restaurants to lodging and hotels, industry apprenticeships offer young people an invaluable head start, helping them acquire hands-on skills, build their confidence, and find fulfillment in work they might not have considered otherwise.

One of the biggest challenges in many industries today, including restaurants, is a skills gap — a shortage of workers with the specific, real-world experience that businesses need. Apprenticeships bridge this gap by equipping participants with practical skills and industry knowledge, ensuring they’re ready to step into the workforce with a solid foundation. For high school graduates who may be uncertain about their next steps, these programs offer a direct path to skilled, meaningful, and long-term financially sustainable work.

Apprenticeships provide a unique benefit by combining training with immediate, real-world experience. These types of programs let participants engage directly with the tasks and challenges of their chosen field. In industries that rely heavily on technical skills and customer interaction such as the hospitality field, this type of training is invaluable. Not only does it prepare young people for the day-to-day realities of the job, but it also builds a sense of competence and pride that contributes to their professional development.

Beyond individual businesses, apprenticeship programs help create a resilient and skilled workforce that can meet the demands of an evolving industry. By investing in these pathways, employers contribute to the stability and longevity of their industry as a whole. For restaurants, where turnover can be high, and training can be time-intensive, having a steady stream of skilled apprentices ready to step into roles can make all the difference in sustaining operations and delivering high-quality customer service.

In my own businesses, I’ve seen the power of apprenticeship firsthand. Many of my team members have joined through apprenticeship programs such as ProStart and grown with us over the years. Some are now in leadership roles, managing day-to-day operations and mentoring the next wave of young talent. Watching their journeys reminds me of my own and reinforces the importance of offering young people structured opportunities to grow within their careers.

One such former apprentice now manages one of my restaurants; his wife is involved in a local apprenticeship program, and his family has been connected to my business for decades. These connections and stories are woven into the fabric of my business and our community, and they show how investing in apprenticeships can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.

Apprenticeships also open doors for those who might not have considered certain career paths otherwise. Over the past decade, millions of people from diverse backgrounds, including women, youth, people of color, and veterans, have joined apprenticeship programs, bringing fresh perspectives and talents to various industries. These pathways are often more accessible and affordable than traditional education routes, offering participants the chance to start earning and building their careers from day one. For many, apprenticeships are not only a way to enter the workforce but also a path to achieving long-term, rewarding careers.

I encourage other business owners, employers, and hospitality industry leaders to consider the role they can play in nurturing the next generation. By encouraging involvement in apprenticeship programs like ProStart, we not only address staffing challenges but also foster the growth and passion of young people eager to contribute to our teams.

As we celebrate apprenticeships, let’s remember that the work we do today to support these programs will shape the workforce of tomorrow.