Marriott International is taking on the challenge of addressing the region’s chef shortage with the launch of a fee-free apprenticeship program.
The Marriott Culinary Academy is a workplace-based initiative designed to develop certified skilled culinary professionals through structure training, ongoing mentorship and assessment, and career development opportunities, with the aim of bolstering the hospitality workforce across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
On completion of the program, participants will earn a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and be offered a position at a Marriott International property.
“I am truly proud to introduce The Marriott Culinary Academy to this region,” said Marriott International Regional Vice President – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Jason Nuell.
“The program leverages best practices in culinary training, providing the opportunity for young talent to be trained and mentored by many of our celebrated chefs across our portfolio.
“Along with certified learning modules delivered onsite, incentivised remuneration and the opportunity to work at one of our many leading hotels, this is the starting foundation for a rewarding career with Marriott.
“The Marriott Culinary Academy represents a significant investment in the future of hospitality talent, ensuring the continued excellence and competitiveness of our hotels in the region.”
Under the two-year program, Marriott’s inhouse executive chefs will deliver structured training with integrated industry standard modules delivered by registered training organisations in each state, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Following an initial orientation, providing an intensive introduction to professional kitchen operations, the program will include core training modules detailing culinary techniques, food safety and kitchen management along with specialised modules covering pastry, butchery, international cuisine and sustainability practices.
Trainees will also be invited to attend an annual culinary workshop in Melbourne.
Professional tools, knife sets and uniforms will also be provided by Marriott International.
Trainees will be paid at the unqualified cook award rate of at least AU$25.85 an hour, a 67% increase on the standard apprenticeship award rate of from AU$15.46 per hour in Australia.
The program is targeting high school graduates, career changers, and VET hospitality students or candidates with an interest in culinary and hospitality.
Accommodation Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Goodwin, welcomed the initiative, saying it could help drive higher numbers of apprentices to the sector.
“Chef shortages have been a structural long-term hindrance for the industry over many years,” said Goodwin.
“The Marriott Culinary Academy is an industry-leading initiative that is well positioned to address this skills shortage and offers great potential to attract and retain talent.
“The program content and incentives offered under the program has the potential to attract an increased number of apprentices and retain them in the sector – providing financial security for businesses and their workforce.”
Launching in Australia, where Marriott International has 33 hotels and resorts, there are plans to expand the program in the future to also include New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
The Westin Melbourne Executive Chef, Apoorva Kunte, who is involved in the development of the program, is confident it will provide an exciting career opportunity for many.
“The introduction of The Marriott Culinary Academy is a visionary initiative by Marriott,” he said.
“I started my career with Marriott International in 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton in India, and since then I’ve worked under the Westin brand in Bangladesh, the Sheraton Grand Sydney, and my current role at The Westin Melbourne,” he said.
“I look forward to working with our up-and-coming culinary talent, sharing my knowledge as they start a long and successful career path with Marriott International.”
Marriott’s hotels are highly regarded for culinary expertise, with several restaurants and bars attaining top industry awards.
Expressions of interest are open now, and the apprenticeships are set to commence in February 2026.