Hospitality and tourism industries comprise of establishments engaged in a number of travel and leisure activities. The leisure and hospitality sector makes up a large percentage of employment in Wisconsin and offers tremendous opportunity for career growth or entrepreneurial ventures.
This career cluster prepares students for careers that encompass the management, marketing and operation of restaurants, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel related services. People employed in this cluster work in a variety of settings.
Students in this youth apprenticeship learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-secondary opportunities. These opportunities could include two or four-year college programs, apprenticeships or employment. Students in this apprenticeship have the option to participate in the following pathways:
- Restaurant & Food/Beverage Services
- Food & Beverage – Dining Area
- Food & Beverage – Kitchen Area
- Lodging
- Lodging – Front Office
- Lodging – Housekeeping
- All Areas
- Maintenance & Grounds
- Meetings & Events
- Marketing & Sales
- Management
- Entering junior year or senior status
- Display a genuine interest in the Information Technology Pathway
- Interview effectively and are hired in an IT position
- Maintain a high level of attendance in school and on the job
- Secure transportation to the job
- On-track for high school graduation
Students take courses at their high school that are part of the program of study for IT that provide the related classroom instruction needed to compliment the worksite training. Such courses can include:
- ProStart Culinary I & II
- Advanced Foods
- Introduction to Hospitality/Culinary
- Professional Baking
- Culinary Arts Management
Talk to your School to Career Coordinator or Family Consumer Sciences Instructor for further information.
The employer provides opportunities to experience the basics of hospitality and tourism careers in relation to the competency checklist. They provide a mentor to guide and train the student. The employer also evaluates the student on a quarterly basis.
The student can be employed at local restaurants, institutions, fast food, delicatessens and school food service. Any business or industry that is able to provide the competency training and work experiences needed has the opportunity to participate in this program. They also are able to provide the student with the competency-based training in the hospitality area that is specific to the student’s career interest. The positions for these students are usually 2-3 hours a day after 1 p.m. The student needs to be employed a minimum of 450 hours for the one year program and 900 hours minimum for the two year program.
Credit between school districts varies, but typically the student will receive 1/2 – 1 credit per semester for the work experience and the same for their classroom training. All students should receive a wage according to the type of work they are performing.