Bartender/Mixologist Apprenticeship Program
8 weeks in training facility followed by 10 months on-the-job. Free registered apprenticeship in bartending and mixology with craft cocktail training and direct placement into union bar positions.
810 S Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Rolling admissions with cohorts starting throughout the year
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Many people want careers in hospitality but lack access to training, connections, and support. HTA was created as a labor-management partnership to bridge that gap, providing free, high-quality training and direct pathways to union jobs with benefits. The goal is to move people from poverty to economic independence through life-changing hospitality careers.
Started in 2026
Visit program website
Adults 21+ seeking professional bartending and mixology careers
Exact schedule varies
ServSafe & alcohol safety certs, DOL apprenticeship credentials, craft cocktail skills, job placement
Cost & Outcomes
This program is completely free for all participants. No tuition, no fees, no hidden costs.
Leads to direct placement into union bar positions.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Zero-cost registered apprenticeship in bartending and mixology
Covers all basic drink categories plus craft cocktail creation from scratch
Includes basic cooking and knife skills training
Students learn to make shrubs, tinctures, bitters, syrups, and flavorings from scratch
U.S. Department of Labor and California state apprenticeship certification
Direct placement into bar positions at hotels, venues, and restaurants
Day in the Life
- Instructor-led classroom and hands-on bar training
- Practice mixing classic and craft cocktails
- Lecture on drink categories, spirits, and bar operations
- Basic cooking and knife skills sessions
- Most bar tools, ingredients, and materials provided (excluding non-slip shoes and pants)
Lead instructor is a seasoned hospitality expert who developed the apprenticeship program and served as lead instructor at the National Bartending School, with 10+ years in craft cocktail program design.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
ServSafe California Food Handler Certification; Responsible Beverage Service (RBS)
Highs & Lows
Learning to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced bar environment while mastering a wide range of drink recipes and techniques can be challenging for beginners.
Developing craft cocktail skills and learning to create original drinks from scratch, with the confidence of having a union job lined up after graduation.
Employment Support
Case management
Resume development
Interview preparation and coaching
Direct job placement through employer partnerships
Post-graduation follow-up and career support
Job fairs and networking events
Career ladder guidance
How It Works
Submit an inquiry through the online application form, selecting your desired career track.
Attend an orientation session.
Meet with HTA staff for an assessment to identify the best training and employment path.
Complete enrollment and begin training.
After graduation, case managers assist with resume preparation, job applications, and interview prep.
Get placed into a job with an employer partner, with ongoing follow-up support.