Bay starts hospitality program

ESCANABA - Employers will soon have a new pool of skilled workers to hire thanks to the hospitality management program that will be offered through Bay College in the fall. This is good news for employers and workers in one of the fastest growing areas of the economy, Bay officials said.

According to the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, the hospitality industry is expected to show some of the largest growth in the state through 2012. Hospitality is projected to be the second highest growing industry in Michigan behind healthcare.

At a recent meeting of the Delta Tourism Regional Skills Alliance, Alan Yeck, dean for business, technology and workforce development, reported the program and objectives were designed by Bay faculty and guided by leaders in successful business establishments. Yeck believes business and education must work together to meet the skilled workforce needs of the area. He requested members of the RSA offer guidance to the hospitality management program's advisory board.

"The Job Force Board responded to the request of Bay College to help with the upcoming hospitality management program." said Will Carne, chair of Michigan Works! The Job Force Board, "As the convener for the Tourism RSA we bring together education, business and workforce development for just this type of situation."

Mollie Larsen, curriculum advisor and adjunct instructor, emphasized both education and work experience will be program components.

Jeanine Dagenais, of Dagenais Enterprises, agreed work experience was an important element, "Employers will have a greater appreciation for the program after seeing the results in the workplace of the skills that are learned in the classroom."

The program, which will be offered beginning in the fall of 2009, will not only stress the specific techniques relevant to hospitality such as customer relations, but will also expose students to areas such as: ServSafe: Food Safety, Computer Concepts, Business Law and a Hospitality Co-op with local businesses.

Vickie Micheau, director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, was pleased with the input from those attending the meeting. "It is important to have stakeholders from business and education together in this type of setting. Michigan Works! The Job Force Board is bringing them together and it is great to see the outcome of this type of collaboration," she said.

For additional information about the Hospitality Management Program, contact Cindy Carter, director of admissions, Bay College, at 786-5802 ext 1276.

To learn more about the Delta Tourism RSA, contact Robert Micheau, The Job Force Board at 789-0558 ext 213.