Austria’s vegetarian chef apprenticeship draws only 13 trainees

Austria’s vegetarian culinary apprenticeship has attracted only 13 trainees since it was introduced a year ago, ORF reports. Vorarlberg currently has no trainee in the programme, although the Walliserhof hotel expects a candidate from Germany to start in September.

The apprenticeship, officially called training as a specialist in vegetarian cuisine, has been available since July 2025. Fish and meat are excluded from the course, which covers vegetarian and vegan alternatives, sauces, soups with fillings and baked goods.

The Walliserhof is currently the only training establishment in Vorarlberg authorised to offer the apprenticeship. Across Austria, 19 businesses have received the required approval.

According to the hotel, the expected candidate would be the first vegetarian culinary apprentice in Vorarlberg. The Vorarlberg Chamber of Commerce says the apprentice will attend the vocational school in Lochau.

Hotel manager Michaela Berthold has supported the programme, saying it gives committed vegetarians and vegans the opportunity to train as cooks.

Anyone who later wants to cook fish and meat must complete additional training. One year of the regular cooking apprenticeship would be credited, followed by two further years to qualify fully, including the preparation of fish and meat.