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September 09, 2008
The National Statler Center teams up with the Lighthouse Central Florida
The National Statler Center of Buffalo expands and teams up with the Lighthouse Central Florida to train and employ blind and disabled workers for the Hospitality Industry
Renee DiFlavio, Senior VP of Employment and Education announces that the next class of the National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service, a program of the Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired, begins September 10, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. The first Orlando class is completely filled and applications are being accepted for future classes. The program is designed to prepare visually impaired individuals careers in the hospitality /tourism and customer service industries.
DiFlavio states "we have been recruiting students from the central Florida area and approximately eighteen months ago we began conversations with the Lighthouse Central Florida Inc. and the Florida Division of Blind Services to bring our training program directly to them. Our program has been in existence for nine years and has graduated more than 260 graduates. This has always been part of our vision to take the program directly to the consumers."
This program is made possible through a partnership of the State of Florida, Division of Blind Services; Lighthouse Central Florida; the Able Trust and the Statler Center.
Classes will be held at Lighthouse Central Florida, 215 East New Hampshire Street in Orlando, Florida. For over 30 years, Lighthouse has been the only non-profit organization offering comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to Central Floridians of all ages with low vision or blindness. Local companies participating in this exciting training opportunity include Rosen School of Hospitality Management at UCF, Disney, Buffalo Lodging Associates, Hilton-Doubletree and more.
Students are provided with an overview of the industry as well as job specific knowledge. Graduates of our unique program will be computer-literate, equipped with a thorough knowledge of industry standards, and ready for successful, long-term careers. Potential employers may be hotels, convention centers, travel agents, restaurants, etc. The job placement rate of graduates is approximately 84%!
The Statler Center is located in Buffalo New York. We hold three very small classes per year (January, May, August). Students that are accepted into the program must have a high school diploma or GED, type approximately 20 words per minute, and be fully job-ready. Although it is not necessary to know how to use a computer as that is taught at the Center, it is important that student’s can utilize a note-taking device. Most importantly, we are looking for motivated folks who are as excited about a career in the hospitality industry as we are!
The National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service is entering its 10th year and has just graduated its 27th class. To date, students have been hired by hotel companies such as Ritz Carlton, Adam’s Mark, Sheraton, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Radisson and Hampton Hotels as well as some smaller properties. We have also graduated students from all over the nation, including Hawaii, California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, New Mexico, Nevada, Missouri, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio, New York, Arkansas, Texas, and New Jersey!
For more information, please contact Jeff Hirschfelt at 716-888-4631
Posted by Marten at September 9, 2008 05:12 PM