Hospitality Foundations
Program Overview: Hospitality Foundations Program
Hospitality Foundations is a short-term training program that prepares you for entry-level union jobs in hotels, restaurants, catering companies, and event venues. The program is free to people who qualify. You will learn the skills employers are looking for and receive work readiness training to help you get hired quickly. The program includes hands-on instruction, career coaching, and opportunities to connect with employers who are actively hiring. No prior hospitality experience is required. Our goal is to help you start a stable union job and begin building a long-term career.
Program Partners
Staff at Minnesota Training Partnership lead this dynamic program. Additional program partners include:
- UNITE HERE Local 17, Minnesota's Hospitality Union
- Saint Paul Public Schools Adult Basic Education (SPPS ABE)
- Employers from the Twin Cities hospitality industry
These partners are eager to share their expertise, and are dedicated to your success, now and in the future.
Jobs & Career Outcomes
After completing the program, you will be qualified to apply for a wide range of entry-level union hospitality jobs. These roles exist in hotels, convention centers, catering companies, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the Twin Cities. These union jobs are recognized for consistent hours, opportunities for advancement, and pathways into supervisory and management roles. Union hospitality jobs also offer strong wages, benefits, and job security. Minnesota Training Partnership staff will help connect you directly with employers and support you through the hiring process.
What You Will Learn
You will learn how the hospitality industry works and what employers expect from successful employees. Training includes customer service skills, hard skills training in various entry-level roles, workplace communication, professionalism, teamwork, work safety, and problem-solving. You will also receive hands-on support creating a resume, applying for jobs, and preparing for interviews. Employers will be invited to share information about their companies and current job openings. By the end of the program, you will be ready to confidently apply for jobs and succeed in the workplace.
You will also have the opportunity to earn a Hospitality and Customer Service Training Certificate from the University of Minnesota Extension and Hospitality Minnesota.
Support for Busy Adult Learners
This program is completely free to eligible participants. You will receive personalized career coaching, resume assistance, and interview preparation from experienced staff. Minnesota Training Partnership will connect you with employers and support your job search after the program ends. Our staff are committed to helping you overcome barriers and succeed in your career. We continue to provide support even after you are hired to ensure yiour success on the job.
Program Schedule & Location
The next training cohort is planned for late Spring 2026: Contact us todayto learn more!
The program will run Monday through Thursday from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm for four weeks. All sessions will be held in person at a Minnesota Training Partnership training location in Saint Paul. You will attend classroom instruction, career workshops, and hands-on training sessions during this time. Please note that eligibility determination, enrollment, and orientation must be completed prior to program entry.
Upcoming program dates will be posted regularly. Please contact us to learn about the next available cohort.
Program Eligibility
The Hospitality Foundations Program serves Minnesota residents at least 18 years old2, not enrolled in any K-12 school, who face multiple barriers to employment, and who need enhanced educational and supportive services to be successful in securing long-term family sustaining wages.
All participants enrolled must be authorized to work in the United States and must be part of one or more of the following target populations:
- Individuals of color
- Individuals lacking stable housing
- Individuals who are or have been justice involved
- Individuals without a high school diploma or equivalent
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals who have been unemployed for 26 or more of the past 52 weeks
- Individuals with limited English or math proficiency
- Individuals at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
How to Apply
Interested individuals must first complete and return the following online inquiry form, available HERE
After we receive this form, we will contact you to discuss your interest, validate your eligibility, and conduct assessments to ensure this program is a good fit for you at this time. Then, we will discuss the enrollment process and schedule you for the orientation session.
Why Choose Minnesota Training Partnership?
Minnesota Training Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people access stable, family-sustaining, union careers. We work closely with unions, employers, and community partners to connect participants with strong career pathways. Our friendly and dedicated staff provide personalized support and are committed to your long-term success. We believe everyone deserves access to opportunity, dignity, and meaningful work. Our programs are designed to help you move forward with confidence.
For More Information:
Individuals interested in applying for the Hospitality Foundations program should follow the directions in the above section titled "How to Apply."
Union, employer, and other community partners are invited to contact us here: INTEREST FORM