KVCC's Popular Hospitality Academy Begins on April 16

A seven-week-long Hospitality Academy is being offered by Kalamazoo Valley Community College for students who wish to gain training for entry level jobs in the lodging and tourism industry. Registration is underway now.

The class runs from April 16 to June 1. The curriculum provides students with the real-world knowledge and skills needed to begin a hospitality career. While the class is in session, students will visit area hotels to job-shadow. “Students have opportunities to gain experience in the rooms and food and beverage divisions of a lodging operation, including front desk, reservations, bell services, restaurant service, banquet set-up and service, and more.” Strausbaugh said, “The hospitality field has so many possibilities for long-term career success.”

Students who complete the program have an opportunity to gain a nationally recognized certification through the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Graduates who pass the American Hotel and Lodging Association exam and complete 90 days employment in an entry-level hospitality position are eligible to receive the additional line-level professional certification at no cost.

“We are excited to offer our students an introduction to the hospitality industry and make them aware of the many career opportunities available to them,” said Strausbaugh. There are 15 slots available in the program. For more information or to sign up, go to www.kvcc.edu/training or call the Career Academies office at 269-353-1286.