Merced-area residents can pursue careers in hospitality and customer service while earning college credits, thanks to a new and innovative partnership between 吃瓜头条 and downtown Merced鈥檚 new El Capitan, a JdV by Hyatt hotel, and Mainzer.
鈥淎 big part of our mission as a community college district is being responsive to the educational and workforce training needs of our community,鈥� 吃瓜头条 President Chris Vitelli said. 鈥淲e do that by listening to our community, and by bringing our creativity and expertise to bear as we develop new programs like the Hospitality Career Academy.鈥�
The Hospitality Career Academy will launch with an information session, open to the entire community, on Aug. 23 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Mainzer, 655 W. Main St., Merced. The academy is free to participants, but spots are limited.
Classes will run from September to December and will take place in person at Mainzer. The program will end with a community interview day and graduation. Students who complete the program will earn a local certificate of achievement and will be well positioned for careers in hospitality and customer service, including immediate opportunities with El Capitan and Mainzer.
鈥淲e want to not only help local residents get good jobs, but also to cultivate a college-going culture in the Merced region,鈥� said Caroline Dawson, Acting Dean of Business, Economic/Workforce Development and Adult Education. 鈥淕raduates from this academy will experience the pride of being 吃瓜头条 alumni, and they will have an outstanding foundation for growth in their careers.鈥�
Perfectly situated in downtown Merced in one of the oldest buildings on Main Street, El Capitan is a journey through time that blends convenience with university culture in California鈥檚 heartland. Historic detail and hand-crafted style evoke the spirit of the west, paying homage to the hotel鈥檚 roots as the town鈥檚 first railroad depot and to the agrarian lifestyle that defines the region.
The partnership is part of El Capitan鈥檚 Heart of Merced program, focused on positively impacting the Merced community, particularly in the areas of education, jobs and economic development. Since opening, the property has brought more than 100 jobs to the Merced area, and the company is committed to hiring locally and supporting community organizations.
El Capitan and Mainzer employees have access to an array of professional growth and development opportunities and exceptional benefits including generous health, dental, vision and life insurance program, paid holidays, sick pay, flexible work hours and paid time off for approved community impact projects.
鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to the success of our community,鈥� said Sara Hill, director of community impact for El Capitan and Mainzer. 鈥淭his academy dovetails perfectly with our Heart of Merced program by offering local residents a unique and free educational program that has the ability to grow their knowledge base and marketable skill sets.鈥�
Media Contact: James Leonard, [email protected], 209-681-1061