Columbia College to start hospitality apprenticeship program

Through a two-year, $960,000 grant, Columbia College will develop a hospitality apprenticeship training program in partnership with Black Oak Casino Resort in the city of Tuolumne and Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge near Groveland.

The award is part of the new California Apprenticeship Initiative, aimed at broadening the range of apprenticeship programs available to California workers, said a news release from the college.

The grant will fund development of the Columbia College Hospitality Academy, a pilot project that will let up to 48 students “earn while they learn” at the resort sites. Designed with input from the sponsoring employers, the program will blend classroom instruction and on-the-job training in a two-year program, the college said.

The college will receive $960,000 over two years to implement the academy curriculum, receive state and federal approval of the apprenticeships, enroll students and launch the training at each work site.

Klaus Tenbergen, Columbia College’s dean of technical and career education and economic development, will oversee development and implementation of the academy starting early next year.

Once enrolled, students will be able to complete recognized industry training certificates and earn an associate’s degree in hospitality management.

Apprentices will rotate through different professional areas at the employer site over an 18- to 24-month period, to receive comprehensive training in a range of positions that could include a combination of front desk, housekeeping, maintenance, beverage management, retail, recreation, and several aspects of kitchen and food service.

Based on employer needs, students enroll in either a seasonal or weekly training model to complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, a program of courses and skills certificates, plus general education and electives, the college said.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 4:09 PM with the headline "Columbia College to start hospitality apprenticeship program."