Miami, Sept. 29, 2025 – Miami Dade College (MDC) and Earls Kitchen + Bar Miami Worldcenter have partnered to launch the new Culinary Specialist and Restaurant Manager Apprenticeship Program, designed to blend classroom instruction with hands-on experience, preparing participants for rewarding careers in the hospitality industry.
“We are excited to welcome our new partner, Earl’s Kitchen and Bar, as we continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students to gain real-world experience,” said MDC’s Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Malou C. Harrison. “The impact for individuals and industry alike is priceless as our MDC Apprenticeship Program prepares skilled professionals to meet workforce needs while strengthening South Florida’s economy.”
Open to MDC students and others seeking employment in the field of hospitality and culinary arts, the apprenticeship removes financial barriers by offering fully covered tuition while connecting employers with motivated, career-driven candidates. Participants will be selected on a rolling basis.
“As the hospitality industry continues to grow, the need for qualified culinary professionals and restaurant managers is critical,” said Riley Cartier, Head Chef at Earls Kitchen + Bar Miami Worldcenter. “Having apprentices in our restaurant not only ensures exceptional food experiences for our guests but also helps shape the future of the industry by offering the apprentices a platform to learn and thrive.”
Through a partnership with CareerSource South Florida, employers can also access support resources such as wage reimbursement to offset the overhead costs of onboarding apprentices. In addition, the College supports participating employers by providing supplies and training materials to assist with the apprentices on the job training.
“Unlike traditional internships, apprentices receive full-time wages and employer benefits from day one of employment,” said Dr. Alexia Rolle, Dean of Career & Technical Education at MDC. “Additionally, by leveraging grant funds, books, laptops, and other occupational materials are provided at no cost so that participants eliminate any potential financial barriers.”
About Earls Kitchen + Bar
Earls Kitchen + Bar is a well-established Canadian-based restaurant group known for its commitment to quality food, service, and atmosphere. With more than 60 locations across North America, including the new Miami Worldcenter location, Earls delivers bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a modern dining experience. The company values sustainability, community involvement, and employee development, which continues to shape its role as a leader in hospitality. To learn more, visit earls.ca.
About the MDC Apprenticeship Program
Miami Dade College is the first academic institution in Florida to be named a Program Sponsor by the Florida Department of Education. It was also named an Apprenticeship Ambassador and received the 2024 Exceptional Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Labor. With the launch of the Culinary Specialist and Restaurant Manager Apprenticeship Program, MDC now offers over 22 registered apprenticeship and programs across diverse industries, more than any other institution in the state. As a Program Sponsor, MDC is authorized to register occupations, employers, and apprentices in both Registered and Pre-apprenticeship Programs. To explore MDC’s apprenticeship program, visit www.mdc.edu/apprenticeships.
To apply for the Culinary Specialist and Restaurant Manager Apprenticeship program, visit www.mdc.edu/apprenticeships/culinary-specialist.