Whole Foods Market announced that 121 employees have graduated from its Pizzaioli Apprentice Program, a hands-on culinary training program designed to build expertise in artisan pizza-making and enhance customer in-store experience.
The 12-week program focuses on technique, product knowledge and merchandising. Apprentices complete six progressive modules, starting with foundational pizza principles and ingredient knowledge and advancing through dough preparation, pizza station management and advanced skill-building.
“As we expand this program in 2025, our goal is to have at least one Certified Pizzaioli in every store,” said Steve Marano, principal of team member development at Whole Foods Market.
“This program doesn’t just build culinary skills – it’s about crafting delicious, high-quality pizza and creating an experience that keeps customers coming back for more.”
Offered at select locations in the U.S. and Canada, the Pizzaioli apprentice program is open to store employees with at least six months of experience. Graduates receive official certification as Whole Foods Market Pizzaioli.
Newly certified Pizzaioli represent stores across the retailer’s California, Central West, Midwest, Northeast, North Atlantic and International and Southeast regions.
The Pizzaioli Apprentice Program is one of several offered by Whole Foods Market to help employees pursue skilled culinary and artisan career paths. Others include the Fishmonger Apprentice, Certified Cheese Professional, Butcher Apprentice, Bakery Decorator Apprentice and Produce Professional Apprentice programs.
Each blends hands-on training, mentorship and extended practice to support meaningful growth and specialization.
About Whole Foods Market
Founded in 1980, Austin-based Whole Foods Market is a natural and organic foods retailer and the first certified organic national grocer in the United States. Part of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores, Whole Foods Market serves customers in more than 535 stores across the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
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