Introduction:
The Oakmont Pathways to Success in Hospitality: New Beginnings - Justice to Jobs Initiative is a comprehensive workforce development program designed to address employment barriers for justice-impacted individuals. By leveraging strategic partnerships, philanthropic funding, and a focus on job quality standards, this initiative aims to create a clear pathway from training to sustainable employment in the hospitality sector.
Problem Statement:
Justice-impacted individuals face significant barriers to employment, including stigma, skill gaps, and limited access to job opportunities. These barriers not only impact individuals but also limit local economic growth. The initiative aims to address these challenges by providing targeted training, job placement, and ongoing support in the hospitality industry.
Solution Overview:
Training and Education Customized Curriculum: Develop and adapt a hospitality-focused curriculum, including the American Hotel and Lodging Curriculum, delivered both online and in-person through community partners. Structured Training Plan: Implement a clear, step-by-step training plan covering essential skills, customer service, health and safety, and hospitality management, with flexibility for online and in-person learning. Job Shadowing, Internships, and Apprenticeships: Provide experiential learning opportunities, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience and build industry connections before full-time employment. Employment Pathways Employer Council: Establish an Employer Council to guide job quality standards (wages, benefits, and work conditions) and create job placement opportunities for program graduates. Job Matching and Placement: Develop a job matching platform tailored to the unique needs of justice-impacted individuals, connecting them with local employers. Job Quality Standards: Collaborate with employers and employees to establish fair job quality standards, ensuring that placements offer sustainable, quality jobs. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
Community College Partnerships: Engage with regional community colleges to enhance training delivery, while also exploring online training options to maximize accessibility. Employer and Community Partnerships: Develop partnerships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and industry associations to support training, mentorship, and job placement. Data and Performance Metrics:
Funding Data Requirements: Collect data on program outcomes, including participant enrollment, completion rates, job placements, wage growth, and retention. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Track metrics such as participant retention, job placement rates, wage progression, employer satisfaction, and participant feedback. Impact Reporting: Regularly report program outcomes to funders, partners, and stakeholders, demonstrating program effectiveness. Scalability and Sustainability:
Phased Implementation: Start with a pilot cohort, refine the training and support model, and gradually expand to serve more participants. Diverse Funding: Leverage philanthropic donations, private sector partnerships, and potential state or federal grants to ensure long-term sustainability. Adaptable Model: Design the program to be adaptable for other regions or industries, expanding beyond hospitality if successful. Conclusion:
The Oakmont Pathways to Success in Hospitality: New Beginnings - Justice to Jobs Initiative provides a scalable, community-driven approach to workforce development for justice-impacted individuals. By combining targeted training, job shadowing, and industry-recognized job quality standards, this initiative creates a pathway to sustainable, high-quality employment in the hospitality sector while strengthening the local economy.
Oakmont Pathways to Success in Hospitality - New Beginnings: Justice to Jobs Initiative