Programs

Apprenticeship Program

Benefits of Becoming TAP Culinary Arts, Inc. Apprentice

  • Participate in an “earn while you learn” approach.
  • Receive mentoring from qualified professional chefs.
  • Develop documented culinary, hospitality and maritime skills that are transferable within the industry on land or at sea.
  • Learn cooking and baking skills by rotating through all kitchen stations.
  • Understand the requirements for proper food handling, sanitation and hygiene.
  • Gain work experience and acquire a professional work ethic.
  • Earn industry certifications and have better job opportunities with higher wages.
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Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction and requires no previous experience to enroll.  Apprentices work full-time under a qualified supervising chef and receive their education through TAP Culinary Arts, Inc.

If you have a passion for the food industry, our Culinary, Hospitality and Able Seaman Apprenticeship program is for you. This innovative and lively training will get you started on a rewarding career in the culinary, hospitality, and maritime industry on land or sea. Whether you dream of putting on large catering events or crafting unique gourmet dinners in a fine dining establishment, we can give you the background you need to make it happen.

The Apprenticeship Programs are 1-2 years intense program designed for aspiring culinary, hospitality and maritime professionals with a passion for food who desire something more than the traditional, classroom-based culinary, hospitality and able seaman education program. You will work hands-on in the kitchens of accomplished professional chefs who will provide the tools needed to succeed in the culinary, hospitality, martime industries.

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Prerequisites

  • Apprentice must complete an online application.
  • An apprentice must be at least 18 years of age, except where a higher age is required by law, and must be employed to learn an apprentice able occupation.
  • Applicants will be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the applicant or others.
  • Access to a computer and internet is required.
  • Every applicant selected for apprenticeship will serve a probationary period.

There is a physical requirement of:

  • Applicants will be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the applicant or others.

Location(s)

Headquarters in Michigan

The Cook Apprenticeship is approximately 1 year of OJL (roughly 2,000 hours). For completion, apprentices must attain 82 OJL competencies and successfully complete 410 hours of Related Technical Instruction. 

  • Workplace & Food Safety
  • Cooking Methods & Technique
  • Cooperative Kitchen Operations
  • Inventory Management
  • Customer Service & Departmental Collaboration
  • Yacht Crew
  • Guest Services
  • Bartending
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The Pastry Cook Apprenticeship is approximately 2 years OJL (roughly 3,000 hours).  For completion, apprentices must attain 17 OJL competencies and successfully 240 hours of related instruction.

  • Introduction to Pastry Shop Operations
  • Ingredient Preparation and Management
  • Baking Techniques and Equipment Operation
  • Decoration and Presentation
  • Customer Service and Inventory Management
  • Clean-Up and Shop Maintenance

The Able Seaman is approximately 2.5 years of  OJL (roughly 2760 hours). For completion, apprentices must attain 26 OJL competencies and successfully complete 150 hours of Related Technical Instruction.

  • Secure Watercraft to Docks, Wharves, or Other Vessels
  • Perform Maintenance on Vessel and Equipment
  • Assist with Cargo Handling and Stowage
  • Stand Watch and Monitor Ship Operations
  • Operate and Maintain Vessel Equipment
  • Respond to Emergencies and Perform Safety Drills
  • Navigation Support
  • Maintain Logs and Documentation
  • Engage in Communication and Coordination
  • Assist with Dockside Operations