Vikings Cadet Program
Not sure what’s next after school? The Vikings Cadet Program is your chance to earn while you learn, gain nationally recognised qualifications, and kick-start a career in Hospitality or Cookery.
Jump to:
Two career streams to choose from
Whether you choose Hospitality or Cookery, you’ll build real-world skills and a strong understanding of how our industry works.
Would you like to find out more, but not yet ready to apply?
Join us for our Vikings Cadet Program Open Day! Get a tour of Erindale Vikings, meet other applicants you’ll start the program with, and have the chance to meet previous Cadets from both the Hospitality and Cookery streams.
Join our Cadet Program Open Day on Monday 24 November 2025 at Erindale Vikings.
Hospitality Cadet Program
Our Vikings Cadet Program is an opportunity designed to equip successful graduates with the skills, experience, and qualifications they need for a future career in hospitality.
"The cadet program provided me with a pathway to a career in hospitality."
Lane Neeson, Lanyon Vikings Venue Manager
Key details:
Start date: 2 February 2026
Applications close: 30 November 2025
Age requirement: Must be 18 by the start date
We know not everyone has their future mapped out straight after school. That’s why applications are open until the end of November, giving you time to decide. Interviews run in December, and successful cadets will be confirmed in January.
Year 1:
Certificate III in Hospitality
Venue rotations in customer service, food & beverage, gaming, and events
Hands-on learning tied directly to your training
Year 2 – invitational Accelerated Supervisor Pathway for high performers:
Tailored leadership training
Extra responsibility in your preferred stream (events, gaming, F&B, customer service)
Access to industry events and mentoring to prepare for supervisor roles
Applications are open until 30 November 2025.
Hospitality Cadet Program selection process
Our selection process is designed to be supportive and give you the chance to show us your personality, potential, and interest in the program. Here’s what to expect:
30 November 2025
Applications close.
December 2025
Application review - we’ll check your eligibility and short responses to make sure the program is the right fit.
Virtual interview – an initial conversation to get to know you.
Group interview – meet other applicants and demonstrate how you work with people
1:1 coffee chat – a relaxed meeting with one of our Venue Managers or Operations Managers.
Mid-January 2026
Successful Cadets will be notified, and details for the start of your program will be shared with you.
2 February 2026
The Hospitality Cadet Program starts, and you’ll head straight into our 2-week Job Ready induction.
Cookery Cadet Program
Our Vikings Cadet Program is an opportunity designed to equip successful graduates with the skills, experience, and qualifications required for a future career in the kitchen.
Key details:
Flexible intake. Apply any time!
Age requirement: Must be 15 at commencement
Candidate requirement: Ability to work full-time (or 15-20 hours per week if School-Based Apprentice)
Candidate requirement: Sound English language, literacy and numeracy skills (ACSF – Level 3)
Over 2 to 3 years, you’ll:
Earn a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Work alongside our chefs in real kitchens
Get hands-on training in cookery skills and food safety
When you start, you’ll receive a full uniform and apprentice toolkit, joining a team that provides ongoing mentorship from award-winning chefs with national and international experience.
Invitational Accelerated Chef Pathway for high performers:
Advanced kitchen responsibilities
Skill development supported by experienced chefs
Designed to fast-track your career as a chef
Applications are now open!
"Chef Apprenticeships are a proven model for developing a skilled workforce. We don’t just train future chefs, we train future leaders."
Ben Cridland, Executive Chef
What you'll experience as a Vikings Cadet
No two days are the same
As part of the program, you’ll rotate around each of our venues every three months to gain a deeper understanding of the nuances for each, while getting to know our wider teams and our Members.
Earn while you learn
Your training is tied directly to shifts across our venues, so you can apply new knowledge immediately.
Support every step of the way
There will be a buddy system in place for extra support. Training is completed with your cadet group, so you’ll build friendships and a strong peer network from day one.
Recognition and progression
After gaining your Certificate III, you’ll continue developing with a custom-built industry training and on the job training program, a celebration event, and recognition of your growth.
Not ready for an Accelerated Pathway? Don’t worry. If you’re not selected, there are still plenty of opportunities. The Cadet Program itself gives you valuable paid experience and nationally recognised qualifications, opening up roles across our venues once you finish.
The Vikings Way
You’ll jump straight into a 2-week Job Ready induction at the start, where you’ll be supported to complete paperwork, learn essential basics, and get to know Vikings.
Benefits of working at Vikings
Opportunities to grow: Develop your skills and advance your career in a supportive environment.
Team culture: Work alongside a talented and collaborative team.
Perks and benefits: Enjoy discounted staff meals, discounted gym memberships at Vikings 24/7 Fitness, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Program.
We are proud supporters of over 50 affiliated sporting groups and contribute to groups within the wider community.
We care for our people and environment, and are proud recipients of awards for innovation, training and environmental excellence.
Apply to be a Vikings Cadet
"The Vikings Cadet Program is a great opportunity to dive into hospitality! I have found myself doing things I thought I would never do and I’m really enjoying it! As well as front-of-house, I’ve been spending time in the kitchen. The kitchen is amazing – from learning how to prep and how to cook, it’s been a great environment to learn in. Sometimes it has been scary and overwhelming, but the support and opportunities have been incredible. Getting on-the-job experience is way better than any classroom (in my opinion)."
Jeremy, Vikings Cadet (2023)