​On March 19, 2024, the Portland Convention Center was full of bright young students looking to learn from the many career exhibitors that lined the space. The NW Youth Careers Expo drew over 6,000 high school students and educators from around Oregon to connect with their local job market. Representing the Hospitality Sector at this event was the Oregon Hospitality Foundation in partnership with Chemeketa Community College Hospitality & Tourism Management program.

Hospitality is the backbone of all the fun and memorable experiences that touch our lives. Choosing a hospitality career not only means becoming a piece of that experience, it also means taking a career path that teaches professional skills, provides growth trajectories, and offers diverse opportunities. The industry is also very accessible with low barriers to entry, and it welcomes people irrespective of their choice to pursue higher education. This is the very picture of hospitality that we are trying to paint for students, and it is these messages that we were echoing to the expo attendees. 

The reactions from the students at the event were very positive. Many showed interest in a hospitality career and were engaged in learning about the industry. Of those students, there was an encouraging amount who, with conviction, stated that this industry was their passion. From the voices of event planning staff to attendees, the sentiment has remained the same: Hospitality voices are wanted and needed at these events. As I looked around at the other exhibitors I saw big trucks, synchronized dance teams, and animated displays drawing students in by the dozens. Seeing this made me think of the potential impact that our industry could make at events like these. Hospitality is full of exciting stories, colorful visuals, and tactile experiences. 

In the future, I hope to rally many more owners and operators to bring their hospitality industry knowledge and opportunities to our growing workforce. 

Last fall, Lane Workforce Partnership, in collaboration with Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board, Northwest Oregon Works, Oregon Coast Visitors Association, and the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) announced their successful joint application for a Department of Labor Critical Jobs Sector Planning Grant was awarded. ORLA has hired a new Coastal Sector Strategist for this important work, and Rebecca Donley will be working full time for ORLA and the Oregon Hospitality Foundation through the duration of this grant award.

Rebecca comes from the hospitality industry and is very passionate about our mission to address the workforce needs of Oregon's restaurant and lodging industry. We asked her to share a little bit about herself:

While embarking on my professional journey, I unexpectedly found my passion in the unlikeliest of places – the front desk of a local hotel. What began as a pragmatic decision to balance work and full-time schooling turned into a transformative experience, unveiling a vibrant world where each guest interaction shaped my understanding of hospitality. In fact, after I graduated, I left the hotel to work for a design firm, only to discover that my heart truly belonged to the hospitality industry. I came right back to the hotel and passionately embraced learning whatever I could. Leadership roles became my platform for contributing to this amazing industry.

Navigating roles in Housekeeping, Banquets, Event Planning, Food & Beverage, and Spa Management, I not only honed my skills but orchestrated notable achievements that elevated the guest experience. From implementing streamlined processes to spearheading successful projects, these experiences became pivotal moments in developing my diverse background. This journey, marked both by proud moments and humbling opportunities to learn, has given me a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities present here on the Oregon coast.

After the disruptive shockwave of Covid swept through our industry, it left a profound impact on me and the teams under my management. The deep sense of responsibility I felt towards my people was coupled with a feeling of helplessness in the face of this unprecedented disaster. It was during these challenging times that I resolved to leverage my experiences and expertise not only to enhance the experiences of our guests but also to support the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes.

In response to the crisis, I actively sought out ways to contribute and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. This period of reflection reinforced my belief in the transformative power of the hospitality industry and the importance of fostering resilience.

Ultimately, it became clear to me that my skills and leadership could be a catalyst for positive change, not only within the walls of the hotel but also in the broader community. This realization fueled my eagerness to transition into a role where I could have a lasting impact. In my quest for this meaningful role in the non-profit sector, the posting for the Oregon Coast Hospitality Sector Strategist appeared like a beacon. It wasn’t just a job opportunity; it was a calling that resonated with my values and aspirations. 

Joining ORLA as the Oregon Coast Hospitality Sector Strategist is not just a career move, it’s a pivotal moment where my passion converges with an opportunity to shape the very industry that defines my professional calling. The prospect of actively shaping the hospitality landscape and fostering meaningful connections aligns seamlessly with my true professional purpose.

Beyond my professional endeavors, my love for travel, DIY projects, and tending to my backyard farm enriches my life. Restoring my 1951 home is a personal project that mirrors my appreciation for preserving history while embracing modern hospitality trends. These moments of inspiration and recharging not only contribute to my personal growth but also influence my approach to hospitality.

This new chapter embodies a holistic alignment of values, education, and an unwavering passion for hospitality. As I step into my role at ORLA, I bring with me a track record of achievements, a commitment to continuous learning, and a belief in the power of collaboration. Together, let’s not just navigate the challenges but proactively shape the future of hospitality. I look forward to the exciting journey ahead and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share our vision for a vibrant and transformative industry. – Rebecca

Want to learn more about the Critical Jobs Sector Planning Grant or the work Rebecca Donely is embarking on? Contact her via email or at 714.483.6542.

Over the last year, a task force of ORLA members has been collaborating with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to develop a curriculum guideline and resource designed to prepare Oregon students statewide for careers in our industry. As the focus on Career & Technical Education (CTE) in our schools has expanded, the large numbers of high-wage, high-demand jobs that the Hospitality & Tourism industry generates has drawn attention from education leaders responsible for developing Oregon's future workforce. 

Many of this Blog's readers are familiar with ProStart, the culinary arts program, which is an example of a CTE program of study. In this new project, we have widened the lens to include career pathways in lodging, foodservice, travel/tourism, and event management to more fully represent the broad range of opportunity that our industry provides. The hope is to expand the future pipeline of Hospitality & Tourism managerial candidates as the industry will need to maximize its growth potential.

The next phase involves rolling out these new guidelines and resources to Oregon's K-12 school districts and the State's College and University system. This will begin with the Oregon Association of Career & Technical Educators (OACTE) conference this April in Portland. The Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF) is working closely with ODE and OACTE to make sure that ORLA member involvement in the design process is driving effective classroom instruction and the adoption of these additional career pathway courses by school districts statewide.

Let us know if you want to see more hospitality and tourism industry classes in your local schools. Please contact the Oregon Hospitality Foundation if you want to participate, get involved, and stay informed. | Eric Aebi MBA, CHBA, Chemeketa Community College Hospitality & Tourism Management Dept.

At the Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF), we believe in the importance of investing in long-term workforce outcomes, and we do this in part by continuously informing and inspiring students to engage with the hospitality industry. We cannot be successful with these efforts without also being able to share the real perspectives and stories of industry professionals. 

One way industry members can connect with younger generations looking to enter the workforce is by participating in career fairs. The Northwest Youth Careers Expo will be hosting an event on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. This is an incredible opportunity for us to come together as an industry and showcase why hospitality is a great investment into these students’ careers.
 
This annual community event attracts 6,000 high school students and educators from around Oregon, as well as the region's leading employers and postsecondary partners, such as Intel, Nike, Boeing, the city of Portland, Kaiser Permanente, OHSU, and many more, hosting 200+ booths and hands-on demos. The Expo is a fun, efficient way to educate students and teachers about career paths within hospitality, as well as about ways to earn work experience through part-time or summer jobs.
 
To learn more about the Expo, sponsor and exhibitor opportunities, and participating schools, visit Portlandworkforcealliance.org/our-work/expo. You can contact the Portland Workforce Alliance at [email protected] with any questions.
 
As the new Workforce Development Coordinator for the Oregon Hospitality Foundation, my goal is to learn more about our members and the struggles they face in the workforce space. I am also searching for members who are willing to engage with schools in speaking or mentorship capacities. If you are interested in setting up a meeting, please shoot me an email at [email protected]. | Ella Sturdevant, Oregon Hospitality Foundation

​In June of this year, Chick-fil-A Kuebler Gateway in Salem first opened its doors. Like every new Chick-fil-A location, they celebrated this accomplishment with their First 100 Program. This program supports the surrounding community by honoring 100 heroes in the Salem area with free Chick-fil-A entrees for a year. Among their many deserving recipients, they recognized Salem for Refugees for their work providing localized services and support to refugees. Aside from their community members being First 100 recipients, they also partner with Chick-fil-A Kuebler Gateway for employment opportunities.

Salem for Refugees aims to strengthen ties to the hospitality industry to get more of their community members into the workforce. Because many of their members do not speak English or Spanish, they have identified back-of-house roles as a good fit for their demographic. However, they are still struggling to fill the demands of their growing labor pool. They need restaurant and hotel partners willing to take on refugee employees. One of the most significant barriers to doing so is that their members are non-English speakers.

Lee Richardson and his team at Chick-fil-A Kuebler Gateway are an excellent example of a successful relationship between Salem for Refugees and a hospitality business despite perceived barriers. Lee has hired a total of 5 of their community members. When he has applicable job openings, he communicates this to Salem for Refugees, and they supply possible applicants from their pool. Similar to any employee group, there have been hires, let-goes, and transitions. However, Lee stressed that everything he experienced hiring from this applicant pool proves no different than any other. Even with language barriers, he has stated that transition time into a new role takes about a month, about how long it would take anyone to feel comfortable with their job. With the accessibility of smartphone translation services, language gaps are often closed easily. For any more complicated translation needs surrounding employment, Salem for Refugees is just a call away from providing these services. They also assist with getting applicants any required certification for a particular role or employer.

The team at Chick-fil-A Kuebler Gateway has found great value in opening its doors to refugee employees. Lee described them as some of the most dedicated, hardworking, and loyal people to work with. It is apparent to anyone who stops by their location that Lee and his management team are a positive force in their employees’ lives. Even being the high-level of an employer that they are, they don’t have a secret strategy to work with refugees, there is no need for one. What Chick-fil-A is achieving is accessible, and all it takes is a little translation here and there.

Want to learn more about Salem for Refugees and how your business can get involved? Contact Ella Sturdevant, Oregon Hospitality Foundation’s Workforce Development Coordinator, or Mohsin Jamal with Salem for Refugees.

​Salem for Refugees is an organization dedicated to unifying people and resources to empower refugees to thrive. The organization offers a variety of services including secure permanent housing, school enrollment, ELL, cultural orientation, healthcare, and transportation navigation to help them settle in Salem, Oregon. Their vision is “to see all refugees in Salem as valued, thriving, contributing members of our community.” A key component in this equation is finding life-sustaining employment for these refugees, or “new neighbors” as the organization prefers calling them. The role of Salem for Refugees is to help secure jobs and assist these new neighbors with transitioning into them. In the past, the organization has had success working with businesses in hospitality and want to continue strengthening their relationships in the industry. They are actively seeking out businesses to partner with throughout the Salem area.

A partnership with Salem for Refugees means being open to interviewing or hiring from their communities. Partnerships also require that the business is willing to work with the unique challenges that refugees face in a foreign workforce system. For example, many of their community members speak minimal English or Spanish. Salem for Refugees provides services and solutions to these barriers that meet the needs of both their community members and industry partners. Depending on the amount of people a business is willing to employ, and the types of jobs offered, they might provide solutions like subsidized English classes or temporary translation services. They work hard to reach agreements that mutually benefit both their new neighbors and locally based businesses.

Working with Salem for Refugees is a great opportunity for hospitality organizations to tap into a skilled labor force. Many of their members have gained direct and transferable skills in their home country doing hospitality or hospitality-adjacent work. A wide range of people in their talent pool have worked in hotels and restaurants, some also serving as managers in these roles.

Want to learn more about Salem for Refugees and how your business can get involved? Contact Ella Sturdevant, Oregon Hospitality Foundation’s Workforce Development Coordinator, or Mohsin Jamal with Salem for refugees.

When I decided to go to the ORLA Hospitality Conference just over a month ago, I knew that I wanted to work in this industry. My journey through hospitality began with my love of cooking. This love eventually turned into a degree in food management, a subsequent job in catering, and my decision to attend the conference. I went to this event with no expectations other than the goal of kickstarting my career. While I did achieve what I set out to do, I did not expect to get such a warm welcome from the industry, and an opportunity to become the new Workforce Development Coordinator for the organization that made it all possible. 
 
For a bit of background, I graduated from Oregon State University with a major in Food Systems Management this past June. In addition to being a student, I was a full-time catering manager for OSU’s Global Community Kitchen program in my final year of undergrad. I often call myself a catering manager because it was the easiest way to describe my work, however, what made my program unique is the integral role that the university students played in the catering process. We worked almost exclusively with student-planned events and included them in nearly every step of the food service process. This meant that in addition to running a full-service catering kitchen, I was often teaching students from scratch how to do things such as planning for a 1500-person dinner service. I learned many valuable lessons about building an effective team in my previous role that will help as I step into this new one.
 
Outside of my professional life, I am an avid distance runner, salsa dancer, and home chef. One of my favorite things to do is learn how to cook dishes from different cultures in addition to my own. I am half Cambodian, so I enjoy making food from that culture.
 
As I begin my career in workforce development for ORLA, I am looking forward to helping those who are trying to break into the hospitality space, just like I was only a couple of months ago. I also look forward to making an impact on both the industry and those who don't yet know just how great it is to work in it. | Ella Sturdevant

Five years ago, I started developing a Hospitality & Tourism Management pathway at Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA). ORCA serves students across Oregon through a virtual public charter school model. I was seeking a competitive advantage in an underserved Career & Technical Education (CTE) category. I quickly understood two issues: the industry was demanding work-ready employees, and we had limited training programs in the Secondary Hospitality, Tourism, & Recreation (HTR) sector.  

These gaps are fed by a need for more understanding of industry demand on the academic side and a lack of instructors endorsed in the HTR category. In theory, programs are created around industry demand, but the reality is that programs are often built around teacher endorsement, school resources, and connections. Requirements on CTE educators and the expectations beyond teaching create a silo that limits workforce development in HTR. The limits are self-imposed, but with the breaking down of barriers, we are finding momentum in awareness and opportunity for a prepared workforce. 

For the past five years, I've positioned myself to intricately understand the HTR workforce demand and the challenges faced in academics. I was privileged to be given a scholarship by the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) to be a part of the '22 Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy cohort. This provided a front seat to the work and challenges of this industry and a chance to dive deep into the industry knowledge I needed to spark change. I firmly believe that workforce development has missed an essential category: student career awareness. This is not an overnight fix. However, with the strategic integration of attention in our secondary programs, I am confident that students will understand the diversity of the HTR industry sector and the value of pursuing a career in this industry.  

We have partners in the secondary and post-secondary space that are innovating and strategically removing barriers to increase opportunity and awareness for students. Frequently, these educational paths are Career & Technical Education pathways that drive interest in entering this industry. A high school has to map to a post-secondary partner. ORCA serves as a model of possibility for workforce development. The first Hospitality & Tourism Management virtual program that articulates directly to Chemeketa Community College (also a virtual program) has been a partnership of promise. Eric Aebi, with Chemeketa’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program, has been instrumental in removing critical barriers to educators, including removing the MBA requirement to provide College Credit Now to students (a CTE requirement). We need more of these innovative partnerships to drive workforce development. I share this example because it's essential to understand that breaking down barriers and supporting innovation is not always common in academics but vital to progress. We need you as our industry partners to run alongside with our educational communities in supporting workforce awareness and development. 

Here are four ways that you can immediately support the strategy of understanding across Oregon:

1. Career Connected Projects (Oregon Employability Skills)
2. Industry Videos (Oregon Employability Skills)
3. Guest Speakers (Pathful Connect / Oregon Connections)
4. Pathway Development 

Career Connected Projects (OES): 
If you haven’t heard about the Oregon Employability Skills Framework yet, visit www.oregonemployabilityskills.org for the details on this statewide program created out of necessity to meet industry demand for vital employees who exhibit consistent employability skills. The program has built-in career-connected learning tied to industry awareness and a badging system highlighting the badge holder's knowledge. This program is an open resource for education and industry partners. It provides relevant, real-life, valuable instruction to prepare our future students (and employees) for post-secondary education and career development. As part of the OES framework, there is an opportunity to secure space in career-connected learning projects that will support OES and awareness of your industry in the classroom.  

Industry Videos (OES): 
Oregon Employability Skills is in a Version 2 refinement. As part of this revision, companies are invited to be included in career journeys, career highlights, and skill development videos that showcase their industries. There are limited video opportunities, and this is a strategic way to help get your company in front of students across Oregon. It highlights how your company/industry supports the 10 OES skills and why they are essential for success.

Classroom Engagement / Guest Speakers:
In case you didn’t know, Oregon has a program for educators that simplifies the ability for professionals to get into the classroom, virtually. As educators are not always aware of how to connect with industry professionals, this program helps industry professionals engage with the school. Pathful Connect / Oregon Connections has a platform that has united education and industry professionals through a vetted network. This is a free service for industry professionals. You are invited to set up a profile to engage with students and classrooms across the state and beyond. You can participate via guest presentations, event days, or other career-connected programs on the platform. There is no easier way to share your industry experience and information.  

Pathway Development:
Oregon has two paths for CTE education in this career cluster. Students in these pathways typically work towards one of two certifications that Oregon Department of Ed recognizes for the Industry Recognized Credential component of a High Quality CTE program.  Those certifications include:  NRAEF’s ProStart Certification or AHLEI’s CHTMP. The most effective way to drive students into the HTR industry: culinary studies and Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation. We have limited programs across the state, and with teacher attrition and licensure in these categories, it is essential that you get your voice heard in your local school districts. Industry demand often drives CTE program development, and sharing your workforce needs may encourage pathway development in your local area. However, the reality is that CTE teachers are limited, especially in smaller districts or remote areas of Oregon, which are the regions that demand HTR jobs. Oregon Charter Academy has developed a solution. District programs bring the HTR educator and instruction directly to any classroom across Oregon. For districts needing help finding a teacher or more resources to develop a pathway, we have a plug-and-play solution mapped directly to Chemeketa's HTM certificates and degree programs, providing students with a direct path into your company. | Summer Highfill, Oregon Charter Academy

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Oregon Employability Skills / WESD

• Cherie Clark, Manager: Career and College, ODE Special Projects

Chemeketa Community College

• Eric Aebi, Program Chair

Pathful Connect / Oregon Connections

• Penny Jahraus, South Metro STEM Partnership, Director Career Connected Learning 

Oregon Charter Academy

• District Programs Contact: John Meyer, ORCA High School Success Administrator
• CTE Business Lead Teacher: Summer Highfill, CTE Master Teacher

Summer Y. Highfill, MBA, is a Master Teacher in CTE Business Pathways at Oregon Charter Academy. She is also a 2022 graduate of the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) are revising their four-year CTE State Plan and they are seeking business' input. This revised plan will continue to support CTE programs of study, schools, and colleges to ensure that all students and families, including those that are historically and currently underserved and marginalized, are welcome, safe, and included in our institutions and programs. The priority is to create quality relationships, experiences, and interactions among learners, educators, and business and community partners.

There are three (3) feedback methods for you to choose from: In Person Sessions, Virtual Sessions and/or a Feedback Survey. There are a number of general and targeted audience sessions that you can register for and additional sessions may be added as needed; check this document often for updates. You are also welcome to submit your feedback via one of the surveys.

Fill out this form to be added to a mailing list for periodic updates related to how you can get involved in the CTE State Plan Revision process. Email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

The Oregon Hospitality Foundation will be represented in these sessions to help support the message and convey the importance of Oregon's hospitality industry in driving economic development.

Career fairs are an important part of ORLA and the Oregon Hospitality Foundation's workforce development efforts with our main goal focused on assisting producers of these events make stronger connections to hospitality industry employers. Registering for these events and having a booth presence is one of the more straightforward ways you can connect potential applicants with your job openings.

As regional workforce boards, school districts, and the Oregon Employment Department promote in-person job and career fairs, we will try to pass along that information in case your company has an interest in participating.

Here are some upcoming fairs and opportunities to consider:

Salem-Area College & Career Fair Fall | October 16, 2023, Chemeketa Community College
The event is hosted by the Salem-Keizer School District; see flyer for more information. If you want to participate as a vendor, please contact Kim Conolly at McNary High School. 

North Marion Business Fairs | October 17 (Woodburn) and October 19 (Brooks)
Participation at the North Marion Business Resource Fair provides an excellent opportunity to connect with businesses and entrepreneurs looking for resources to start or grow a business, hire employees, or those seeking capital. These are bilingual events; download the flyers in English and Spanish. Please complete the poll to confirm your participation and commitment to assist North Marion businesses and entrepreneurs. For questions, please reach out to Jamie Johnk, Economic Development Director, City of Woodburn, at 503.980.6319.

Clatsop Works Summer Internship Program | Deadline to Apply: December 15
This program partners with employers to provide local high school and college students, ages 16 and up, with professional, paid internships in Clatsop County. They are currently reaching out to businesses to encourage hiring a summer intern for 2024. Misty Bateman, Program Manager for Clatsop WORKS Internship Program has received feedback from visiting the Clatsop County High Schools and Clatsop Community College that students are interested in an internship in Hospitality or Culinary fields.

There are many benefits to hiring an intern, ie, helping close the skill gap and retain local talent. You can help a student develop important workplace skills such as professionalism, leadership, and effective communication, while developing future high school and community college graduates to contribute value-adding work to your business now and in the future. 

The application is now open, see the website for details; employers are asked to apply by December 15, 2023. For questions, reach out to Misty Bateman, Clatsop WORKS Paid Internship Program & CCC Cooperative Work Experience at 503.338.2507.

College & Career Fair Expo | March 13, 2024, Forest Grove High School
Register online or contact Vicki VanLoo at 503-359-2432 X3607.

Have questions on Oregon Hospitality Foundation's workforce activities? Contact ORLA CEO Jason Brandt or OHF ProStart Liaison/Executive Coordinator Courtney Smith.