The application for the Diversity Apprenticeship Program is now open for the winter 2022 term. Find more details about the program below and apply now!
Racially diverse talent and leadership are vastly underrepresented in the travel and hospitality industry. In an effort to create more leadership pathways for people of color, Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, in collaboration with Tourism Diversity Matters, have launched the Diversity Apprenticeship Program. The Diversity Apprenticeship Program provides a paid, hands-on, on-the-job experience for people who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) to work across multiple departments (i.e., guest services, event planning, marketing, sales, finance, etc.) in travel industry organizations. Upon successfully completing 600 working hours, over a period of six months, the apprentice(s) will be offered a full-time, manager-level position or higher, at one of the participating partner locations.
APPLICANT EXPECTATIONS
To apply for the Diversity Apprenticeship Program the applicants should meet the following criteria:
Self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color)
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
Provide an official/unofficial copy of their high school/GED or college transcript
Commit to 600 working hours (not to exceed six (6) months)
Availability to start mid-September, work 30-40 hours per week, and the ability to work Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Adhere to the organizational policies and procedures of Experience Columbus and any additional participating partners
Have an interest in the hospitality/travel/tourism sector
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Potential candidates will complete a phone and in-person interview.
If selected, the apprentice will be asked to complete a background check.
Apprentice is hired by Experience Columbus, but works most of their hours in one host location for 6 months, or 2 host locations for 3 months each, or 3 host locations for 2 months each, while earning $17/hour.
Upon successful completion of the program the apprentice will be offered a full-time, manager-level position or higher, at one of the participating partner locations.
