The application period has opened for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) Cocktail Apprentice Program (CAP), which will give 40 up-and-coming industry professionals the opportunity to be part of the Red Coat Class of 2024.
The TOTCF CAP was founded in 2008 and has provided more than 540 apprentices with valuable experience in working and managing large-scale, high-volume events.
In 2024, the newest CAP participants will begin their mentorship in New Orleans at the Tales of the Cocktail annual conference, where they will be paired with a Grey Coat mentor. Under the guidance of their mentor, participants will be involved in the preparation and delivery of cocktails and tastings throughout the conference, including at events such as the Spirited Awards and Catalyst Luncheon.
Trevor Kallies, CAP Manager and White Coat, spoke to the importance of the program.
“Since 2008, the Cocktail Apprentice Program has seen hundreds of bartenders from all over the world come to New Orleans to develop their skills as hospitality professionals as CAPs.
“We also strive to ensure this group grows into the next generation of industry leaders. We don’t just focus on technical skills, either. Our priority every year is to take the new class of Red Coats and teach them leadership, inclusivity, and mentorship. All of this with the goal of developing them into the next generation of role models and mentors in our industry. The things they learn in our program stretch well beyond the week of Tales of the Cocktail,” he said.
Once the CAPs have completed the program, TOTCF continues to offer previous apprentice classes exclusive opportunities for scholarships and financial aid to support their continued growth within the industry.
Joseph Coleman, a member of the CAP Red Coat class of 2023, said the program has had a huge impact on his career.
“The Cocktail Apprentice Program was an invaluable experience. It allowed someone like me, from a small market, to network and learn from some of the best in the industry. Being a CAP has pushed me to grow more than I ever thought possible and vastly changed how I plan to continue my career,” he said.
Successful applicants must be industry professionals, such as bartenders, bar managers, barbacks, brand ambassadors, educators, or distillers, be at least 21 years old by 1 May 2024, and have a valid U.S. visa. Once accepted, apprentices must pay for their own flights to and from New Orleans, with lodging, meals, and event access provided by TOTCF.
Those interested are invited to apply via the TOTCF website. Applications are open from 15 December 2023 to 1 February 2024, with the 2024 Cocktail Apprentice Program Red Coat class announced on 1 May 2024.
