Chamber Hosts Workforce Panel for Tourism and Hospitality Industry

The Chamber recently hosted a panel discussion on Workforce in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry.  David Rivera, Flagler College; Ashley Wimpelberg, St. Johns County School District; Jennifer Bowmaster, FCTC, and Beth Abstein, FCTC, served on the panel.  Topics included hiring for internships, recruiting students, engaging with educational institutions, and best practices for retention. 

Ashley Wimpleberg, Work-based Learning Coordinator with the SJC School District, provided an overview of the district’s CTE Program.  She said, “The St. Johns County School District has 29 career academies at nine high schools. Around 60% of our high school students, a little over 10,000, are enrolled in a CTE program at the high school level. We are very proud of that.” Through that program, the district provides numerous ways for students to experience their field of study.  Wimpleberg said, “The district offers a very structured internship program. We always look for business partners to host a student in the summer. It is a minimum of six weeks, 120 hours, for an unpaid internship, or if they’re producing work for you, then it would be expected to be a paid internship, which could be for the whole summer.” Studies have shown that internships provide tremendous value in helping students solidify their career choices.  If they can experience it early, they can make a more informed decision.

Working directly with the students is also essential at every level.  The opportunity to develop soft skills and industry certifications while still in school makes students more marketable at graduation.  David Riveria, Director of the Hospitality and Tourism Department at Flagler College, works nationwide with tourism and hospitality employers.  He points out, “One of the easiest ways to develop a relationship with a school is through the Career Development Center. They can disperse the information to many different individuals and assist students with resumes and interviewing skills.”

Students also want to hear directly from leaders in the industry.  Jennifer Bowmaster, Dean of Student Services with First Coast Technical College (FCTC), told the employers in attendance, “Your experience is valuable to what our students need to hear. They want to understand your career path and the challenges that you have faced.  It helps them envision themselves in that role.”  Beth Abstien, Career Specialist at FCTC, added, “Sometimes what our instructors say day-to-day falls on deaf ears, but when they hear another industry professional say the same thing, they begin to take note.” 

Employers interested in hiring graduates and interns or hosting job shadow students can contact the speakers directly to learn more.  Each institution offers opportunities to serve as a guest speaker or on an advisory board.  We all must invest in our Workforce’s development to ensure it is prepared for the employment opportunities we have here.