Programs

Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Benefits of Becoming TAP Culinary Arts, Inc. Pre-Apprentice

  • Basic Skills Training: Instruction in fundamental skills relevant to the trade, such as math, reading blueprints, or safety practices. Understand the requirements for proper food handling, sanitation and hygiene.
  • Trade-Specific Knowledge: Introduction to the basics of the trade, including tools, materials, and processes. Receive mentoring from qualified professional chefs.
  • Workplace Readiness: Development of soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  • Hands-On Experience: Opportunities for practical experience, often through workshops, simulations, or supervised projects. Develop documented culinary and hospitality skills that are transferable within the industry on land or at sea. Learn cooking and baking skills by rotating through all kitchen stations.
  • Certification and Credentialing: Preparation for industry certifications or exams that may be required for entry into an apprenticeship. Earn industry certifications and have better job opportunities with higher wages.
  • Job Search Assistance: Help with finding and applying for apprenticeship positions, including resume building and interview preparation. Gain work experience and acquire a professional work ethic.

TAP Culinary Arts, Inc. pre-apprenticeship is a training program designed to prepare individuals for an apprenticeship or employment in a specific trade or occupation. Our program provides foundational skills and knowledge that help candidates meet the entry requirements for formal apprenticeship programs or employment and succeed in their chosen field.

If you have a passion for the food and hospitality industry, our Culinary and Hospitality pre-apprenticeship program is for you. This innovative and lively training will get you started on a rewarding career in the culinary / hospitality 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.

Our pre-apprenticeship program is a 1-year intense program designed for aspiring culinary / hospitality professionals with a passion for food and hospitality industry who desire something more than the traditional, classroom-based culinary / hospitality 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 industry.

breakfast

Prerequisites

  • Pre-Apprentice must complete an online application.
  • A pre-apprentice must be at least 16 years of age, except where a higher age is required by law.
  • Access to a computer/laptop/tablet and internet is required
  • There is a physical requirement of:
    • Applicants will be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the pre-apprenticeship program, with or without reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the applicant or others.

Locations

Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Michigan, and Washington (more locations will be added at a later time)

Competencies You’ll Learn (Total Hours 410)

Workplace & Food Safety

  • Maintain workplace health and safety practices.
  • Maintain food safety and sanitation practices in food production.
  • Monitor and maintain worker and customer health, safety, and security. Apply first-aid principles and practices.

Cooking Methods & Techniques

  • Prepare dishes using basic cooking methods.
  • Prepare appetizers and salads.
  • Prepare and cook basic sauces and soups. Prepare vegetables, starch, fruit, egg dishes.
  • Prepare seafood dishes.
  • Prepare cakes, pastries, and bread. Prepare desserts.
  • Prepare dairy products.
  • Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements

Cooperative Kitchen Operations

  • Clean food production areas, equipment, and utensils.
  • Handle and maintain knives. Handle and maintain pots and pans, utensils, and equipment.
  • Clean and store small equipment.

Inventory Management

  • Receive and store food and goods. Maintain supply levels through inventory.
  • Customer Service & Departmental Collaboration
  • Practice customer service. Participate in teamwork, workplace operations, and staff dynamics.
  • Stay current on organizational and industry best practices.

Yacht Crew and Able Seaman

  • Maintain the yacht & apposes interior, including guest cabins, dining areas, and recreational spaces.
  • Setting up dining tables, arranging decor, and organizing amenities.
  • Maintain clear and effective communication with both guests and other crew members.
  • Practice impeccable customer service to meet and exceed the expectations of high- net-worth individuals.
  • Understand and implement proper behavior and decorum in various social situations.
  • Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding the guests & apos personal information, activities, and any sensitive matters.
  • Respect the privacy of guests and ensure a discreet and professional approach.
  • Practice flexibility to adapt to changing schedules, itineraries, and guest preference
  • Ability to handle unexpected situations and emergencies with composure and efficiency.
  • Maintain efficient organization of tasks and duties to ensure a smooth operation on board.
  • Maintain effective time management to meet tight schedules and deadlines.
  • Knowledge of culinary expertise in preparing a variety of dishes, catering to different dietary preferences and restrictions.
  • Knowledge of food and beverage pairing, as well as presentation skills.
  • Understand the unique challenges and requirements of working on a yacht, including safety protocols, emergency procedures, and maritime regulations.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with other crew members to create a harmonious working environment.
  • Assist colleagues in various tasks, promoting a sense of camaraderie on board.
  • Maintain quick thinking and effective problem-solving skills to address challenges that may arise during duty. Maintain good physical health and fitness to handle the demands of the job, including long working hours and physically demanding tasks.

Ordinary Seaman, Able Body Seaman, Maintenance and Deck Familiarization

  • Secure watercraft to docks, wharves or other vessels.
  • Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems.
  • Connect hoses to equipment or machinery.
  • Control pumps or pumping equipment.
  • Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
  • Record operational or production data.
  • Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
  • Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
  • Maintain watercraft engines or machinery.
  • Operate ships or other watercraft.
  • Set up material handling gear or equipment, such as rigging, packaging, or temporary structures.
  • Verify information or specifications.
  • Assist others during emergencies.
  • Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
  • Clean vessels or marine equipment.
  • Load shipments, belongings, or materials.
  • Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.
  • Record operational details of travel.
  • Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
  • Paint surfaces or equipment.
  • Direct maintenance or repair activities.
  • Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids.

Guest Services

  • Maintain clean and attention to detail when making beds, dusting, vacuuming, and organizing room amenities.
  • Knowledge to address any maintenance issues or damage in the room.
  • Manage time to complete cleaning tasks within designated timeframes.
  • Maintain an organized approach to cleaning and arranging guest rooms.
  • Properly arranging guest belongings and amenities according to hotel standards. Maintain a friendly and approachable demeanor when interacting with guests.
  • Respond promptly to guest requests or concerns.
  • Communicate effectively with other hotel staff, including front desk personnel and maintenance teams.
  • Knowledge of reporting any issues or special requests from guests to the appropriate department.
  • Demonstrate physical fitness to handle the demands of cleaning multiple rooms in a single shift.
  • Lift and move heavy linens and cleaning equipment.
  • Knowledge of various cleaning agents, their uses, and safety protocols.
  • Properly use and store cleaning supplies to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.
  • Understand and adhere to hotel policies related to room cleaning, privacy, and security.
  • Respect guest privacy and refrain from personal use of guest amenities.
  • Collaborate with other housekeeping staff to ensure a seamless and efficient workflow.
  • Ensure timely turnover of guest rooms.

Optional – Bartending*

  • Knowledge of mixing and crafting a wide variety of cocktails.
  • Understand the different types of spirits, liqueurs, and mixers, and the ability to create balanced and visually appealing drinks.
  • Understand various types of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Knowledge of beer and wine varieties, as well as the ability to recommend drinks based on customer preferences.
  • Maintain friendly and approachable demeanor when interacting with customers.
  • Ability to engage in conversation, provide recommendations, and create a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Maintain clear and effective communication with customers, as well as other staff members.
  • Ability to work quickly and efficiently during busy periods to ensure timely service.
  • Maintain organizational skills to handle multiple drink orders simultaneously. Maintain composure during high-stress situations, such as busy nights or handling difficult customers.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks effectively to handle a fast-paced environment.
  • Knowledge of handling cash transactions, processing payments, and providing correct change.
  • Familiarize with point-of-sale (POS) systems for order processing.
  • Knowledge in using bar tools and equipment, including shakers, strainers, muddlers, and garnish tools.
  • Maintain regular maintenance and cleaning of bar equipment.
  • Knowledge and adherence to legal and ethical responsibilities related to alcohol service.
  • Monitor customer alcohol consumption and refusing service when necessary.
  • Knowledge of creating visually appealing garnishes and presentation styles.
  • Maintain a clean and organized bar area. Adhere to health and safety standards, including proper handling of glassware and utensils.
  • Maintain communication effectively with kitchen staff to ensure smooth coordination of food and drink orders.
  • Adjust to changing customer demands, special events, or menu changes.
  • Understand compliance with local and state regulations regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages.

Pre-apprenticeships are particularly valuable for individuals who may not have the background or experience needed for an apprenticeship or those who want to improve their competitiveness in the job market. It will provide a clearer understanding of what to expect and help individuals make more informed decisions about their career path.  By completing 410 hours of pre-apprenticeship work, you will gain hands-on experience in a variety of culinary and hospitality environments.