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Sunport Works (NAWB Forum - Workforce Board CEO)

Introduction

The hospitality sector is one of Sunport’s primary economic engines, offering a wide array of job opportunities for residents. Yet the industry is challenged by seasonal employment cycles, persistent skills gaps, low retention, and shifting expectations among workers. As the CEO of the Sunport Regional Workforce Board, I am committed to leading a targeted response that brings together training providers, employers, and the broader community to address these issues and create sustainable pathways into and through hospitality careers.

This brief presents a collaborative and forward-thinking strategy to modernize the hospitality workforce pipeline while honoring Sunport’s cultural identity and enhancing job quality for local workers.

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What Problem Are We Solving?

Seasonal volatility leaves workers underemployed and employers short-staffed during peak periods.

Skills mismatches between job seekers and evolving industry requirements hinder upward mobility.

Low-wage jobs and limited advancement make hospitality unattractive to new entrants.

Lack of industry-aligned training leaves Sunport reliant on imported labor or temporary solutions.

Workforce programs often miss cultural relevance, reducing impact and participation.

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Proposed Solution: A Community-Aligned Workforce Initiative

This initiative will build a sustainable, inclusive pipeline of local talent for the hospitality sector by developing industry-responsive training programs, fostering strategic partnerships, and increasing awareness of career pathways in hospitality.

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Key Components

1. New Training Programs

Objective: Equip workers with practical, in-demand skills tailored to modern hospitality needs. Implementation:

Co-develop curriculum with employers and experts across hotel operations, front-of-house tech, guest services, and culinary management.

Offer flexible, modular training through technical colleges and community centers.

Include credentials aligned with national standards and local employer needs.

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2. Partnerships and Collaboration

Objective: Align stakeholders to create a coordinated, community-rooted workforce ecosystem. Implementation:

Launch a Hospitality Workforce Advisory Council including employers, unions, educators, and community leaders.

Foster joint programming with schools, nonprofits, and businesses for talent development and placement.

Integrate workforce efforts with broader city and tourism development strategies.

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3. Career Awareness and Education

Objective: Create early and ongoing exposure to hospitality careers. Implementation:

Partner with hotels and restaurants to host Career Days, internships, and job shadowing experiences.

Develop school-based awareness programs starting in middle and high school.

Offer financial education workshops to help workers navigate the cyclical nature of the industry and plan for long-term success.

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4. Cultural Integration and Community Relevance

Objective: Ensure that programs are trusted, accessible, and reflective of Sunport’s identity. Implementation:

Engage local communities and hospitality workers to co-design training that honors local customs, language needs, and workforce realities.

Use storytelling and lived-experience mentors to foster a sense of belonging in the sector.

Offer wraparound supports such as transportation, childcare, and language access.

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Success Metrics

Increase in Fair-Wage Employers: Monitor and report on wage improvements across participating businesses.

Expanded Talent Pool: Track the number of residents trained, hired, and retained in hospitality roles.

Strength of Collaboration: Evaluate advisory council participation and multi-sector partnerships.

Visibility of Career Pathways: Measure awareness and engagement through K–12 outreach and adult re-entry programs.

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Conclusion

The hospitality sector is too vital—and too full of potential—to allow outdated systems and disconnected efforts to continue. Through Sunport’s workforce board leadership, this initiative will not only address immediate employer needs, but also build long-term community wealth, talent retention, and sector stability. With a clear focus on inclusion, quality jobs, and strategic alignment, we can ensure hospitality truly works for Sunport.

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