The RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) recently hosted a Hospitality Career Conference for 125 career and technical education students that are currently enrolled in a ProStart® or Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP).

The Conference held at the Providence Marriott Downtown on Wednesday, April 5th, was designed to give students with little-to-no employment experience the tools that they need to compete at the hiring table during a time where many hospitality employers are experiencing a staffing shortage.  Participating schools included the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center, Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center, Chariho Career & Technical Center, Exeter Job Corps Academy, and the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center.

Students participated in breakout sessions to designed to inform them of different career pathways, practice interview skills, explore effective communication styles, and hear from lead competition judges, including Event Chairs Joanna Arrighie, area director of sales & marketing at Meyer Jabara Hotels, and Tom Riel, senior vice president at the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

“Giving our students the opportunity to meet with and learn from local industry professionals is an invaluable educational experience,” said Heather Singleton, Chief Operating Officer, Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation. “One of the Education Foundation’s main goals is to prepare Rhode Island’s next generation of hospitality industry influencers for life after school. The Hospitality Career Conference gave our students the chance to see what the future might hold for them, and many left feeling invigorated and inspired.”

About the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF): The RI Hospitality Education Foundation’s mission is to develop, support and promote career growth opportunities within the hospitality industry to benefit students, organizations, and the economy. This mission is achieved through the foundation’s work with youth, unemployed adults, and incumbent employees. RIHEF’s focus is on career awareness, providing work-readiness training and offering occupational skills training. For more information, visit www.rihospitality.org/riha/About_RIHEF.