Restaurant Industry Organizing Apprenticeship

Organizing Apprenticeship

Brandworkers is a worker center that supports NYC and NJ food service workers organizing for safer conditions, fair pay, and a real voice on the job. We're recruiting experienced food service workers for our Organizing Apprentice program, a hands-on track for people who want to build worker power from the inside of the industry.

What this is

Apprentices take jobs in NYC restaurants, cafes, and bakeries and work alongside their coworkers while developing as organizers. You'll get training in labor law, one-on-one organizing conversations, campaign strategy, and how worker-led campaigns actually win. The goal is to grow a bench of skilled rank-and-file organizers in an industry where workers are too often isolated and underpaid.

This is unpaid by Brandworkers. You earn the wages and tips of whatever job you're hired into.

Job placement isn't guaranteed and the search can take weeks or months. You'll be applying to real openings on your own steam, with our coaching and support.

The work itself is hard. Long shifts, demanding customers, tough kitchens. If you haven't done it before, this isn't the program to start with.

Apprentices meet weekly with Brandworkers organizers for training, debriefs, and campaign support. Campaigns typically run one to two years, and we ask apprentices to stay for the duration of a campaign when possible; though we understand life happens, and any committed time you can give is valuable.

Who we're looking for

Minimum 2 years experience as a host, server, busser, barback, barista, baker, line cook, pastry chef, or comparable role

Some familiarity with unions, labor history, worker centers, or organizing. Whether that's prior union membership, a campaign you worked on, a class you took, a co-op you were part of, or serious self-education. You don't need to be a veteran organizer, but you should know what collective bargaining is and why it matters.

Comfortable with one-on-one conversations and building trust with coworkers over time

Available to work in NYC (NJ placements possible in some cases)

Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, French, Bengali, or another language spoken in NYC kitchens is a strong plus

How to apply

Email organizingapprentice@brandworkers.org with

A PDF resume

A few paragraphs overing your food service background and what draws you to organizing

Your phone number

Expect a response within a day or so.