Virginia School Food Specialist Pre-Apprenticeship

Our School Food Specialist Pre-Apprenticeship offers Virginia residents an entry point to a career in healthy, scratch-cooked K–12 school food. The program is also for current school food employees who want to gain new skills.

Ready to take the next step in your school food career? Our program application is now open!

• February 2026 Pre-Apprenticeship: Apply by January 25, 2026
• March 2026 Pre-Apprenticeship: Apply by February 22, 2026
• April 2026 Pre-Apprenticeship: Apply by March 23, 2026

Overview

The School Food Specialist Pre-Apprenticeship will introduce participants to the opportunity for a mission-driven career in K-12 school food operations. Through this Healthy School Food Pathway program, you will gain education, professional development, and hands-on experience to prepare you to apply for and secure a job with a local school division.

The 3-week Pre-Apprenticeship will be offered monthly in February, March, and April at Prince Edward County Public Schools, Fauquier County Public Schools, Amherst County Public Schools, Stafford County Public Schools, and Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

The Pre-Apprenticeship culminates in a job interview with the host school division.