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Culinary Apprenticeship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

COOK 4

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$21.71/hr

Completion of a two-year culinary apprenticeship or an associate degree in culinary arts. * Restaurant experience in continental or classical cuisine may substitute for formal culinary education.

Completion of a two-year culinary apprenticeship or an associate degree in culinary arts. * Restaurant experience in continental or classical cuisine may substitute for formal culinary education.

Cook - Pizza

Bristol, VA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing ...

Cook - Staff Cafeteria

Bristol, VA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing ...

A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing ...

Cook - Pizza

Bristol, VA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing ...

Cook II - Steakhouse

Bristol, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing ...

Completion of a two-year culinary apprenticeship or an associate degree in culinary arts. * Restaurant experience in continental or classical cuisine may substitute for formal culinary education.

New

Cook II - Steakhouse

Bristol, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing ...

Cook - Noodle Bar

Bristol, VA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with some industry experience is preferred. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: (Licenses, Certifications, Testing ...

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Culinary Apprenticeship information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do culinary apprenticeship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary apprenticeship in Virginia is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary apprenticeship?

A culinary apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines practical, on-the-job experience with classroom instruction in the culinary arts. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced chefs to learn essential cooking techniques, kitchen operations, food safety, and menu planning. These programs typically last one to three years and are designed to help aspiring chefs gain real-world skills and industry certifications. Successful completion can lead to various career opportunities in restaurants, hotels, catering, and other food service establishments.

What kind of mentorship and hands-on learning can I expect during a culinary apprenticeship?

During a culinary apprenticeship, you will typically work closely under the supervision of experienced chefs who provide ongoing mentorship and feedback. You can expect to spend most of your time in a professional kitchen, learning practical skills such as food preparation, knife techniques, and plating. Apprentices often rotate through different stations to gain a broad understanding of kitchen operations. This hands-on experience is complemented by structured lessons on culinary theory, safety, and sanitation, preparing you for increased responsibility and potential advancement within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Apprentice, you need foundational culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, basic knife techniques, and certifications such as ServSafe are typically expected. A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to take direction are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring safe, efficient kitchen operations and for building a successful career in the culinary industry.

What is the difference between Culinary Apprenticeship vs Culinary Trainee?

AspectCulinary ApprenticeshipCulinary Trainee
CredentialsOften requires basic culinary certifications or high school diplomaMay have minimal or no formal credentials
Work EnvironmentHands-on training in kitchens, often with mentorshipEntry-level, supervised kitchen work
PurposeTo develop skills and gain certification in culinary artsTo gain initial experience and learn basic kitchen tasks

In summary, a Culinary Apprenticeship provides structured training and credentials, focusing on skill development, while a Culinary Trainee typically involves basic, entry-level kitchen work without formal certification. Both roles serve as stepping stones in a culinary career but differ in training depth and objectives.

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Apprenticeship jobs in Virginia?

For Culinary Apprenticeship jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Apprenticeship jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Apprenticeship jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Culinary Apprenticeship jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Culinary Apprenticeship job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Apprenticeship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, and 55% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,745 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

COOK 4 - Campbell's Tavern

Colonial Williamsburg Company

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$21.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 29 rated museums


Job description

About the Position

Works broiler, sauté, banquet, and pantry stations, as necessary. Uses basic cooking methods, including sautéing, braising, broiling, stewing and baking. Prepares soups and sauces.

Qualifications

  • Completion of 2-year culinary apprenticeship or culinary associate degree (experience gained in a restaurant specializing in continental or classical cuisine may be substituted for a culinary apprenticeship or associate degree).
  • Ability to prepare food from a recipe with minimum supervision and maintain sanitation standards
  • Demonstrated knowledge of basic cooking techniques
  • With supervision, ability to produce the required quality and quantity of foods
  • Successful candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a current Williamsburg James City County food handler’s card; applicants with an active food handler’s card should be prepared to present it during the interview process.

Physical requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • transporting up to 50 pounds;
  • standing for long periods of time
     

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