About our training

The Restaurants Association of Ireland offer a range of training options for groups or individuals. Training to become a chef or to work in the restaurant industry can be a rewarding and challenging experience.

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Restaurant and Hospitality Skillnet courses
Apprenticeships
Local educational providers

Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet

The Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet was established in 2017 by the Restaurants Association of Ireland to provide partially funded training to those working in restaurants and the wider hospitality industry, from owners to managers, head chefs to commis chefs, and front of house service staff.

Apprenticeships

Culinary Apprenticeships are a type of on-the-job training program that provides aspiring chefs and other culinary professionals with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a professional kitchen. Rather than attending a traditional culinary school, apprenticeships provide a more hands-on approach to learning the skills and techniques necessary to succeed in the restaurant industry.

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Commis Chef Level 6 Apprenticeship Programme
Chef De Partie Level 7 Apprenticeship Programme
Sous Chef Level 8 Apprenticeship Programme

Local educational providers

Looking to sharpen your culinary skills and learn new recipes to impress your friends and family? Look no further than our selection of places that teach you how to cook!

Interested in studying a hospitality course?

WSET Ireland Bursary Programme

This new initiative is designed to support hospitality professionals experiencing long-term financial hardship through access to globally recognised education and training.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland Benevolent Fund is a registered charity dedicated to supporting individuals working in Ireland’s restaurant and hospitality sector by providing financial assistance to those employed in the sector. Through this new programme, the Fund aims to help individuals overcome financial hardship by providing training that enhances job retention, career progression and long-term employment opportunities.

Through the initiative, up to 20 successful applicants will receive funding to complete WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Wines and/or Spirits through participating Irish WSET course providers.

The WSET Ireland Bursary Programme reflects a shared commitment to investing in people and ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent hospitality professionals from accessing high quality education and developing rewarding careers within the sector.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be aged 18 years or over.
Be resident in the Republic of Ireland.
Have an Irish mobile phone number.
Hold an Irish bank account.
Complete the official application form.

How to apply?

Download the application form above and submit: 66261-RAI-Benevolent Fund Application Form 2026

Upcoming courses

RH Skillnet is an innovative training network that offers a range of trainer-led programmes designed to help individuals and businesses acquire new skills and knowledge. These programmes are led by experienced trainers who provide personalized guidance and support throughout the learning process.

Have a question?

For any questions on training, reach out to us:

Niamh O’Malley

Network Manager
Telephone: +353 1 677 9901
Email: niamh.omalley@rai.ie

Training

Do you want to learn new skills for working in the restaurant and hospitality industry? We can help provide partially funded training and apprenticeships