Individuals interested in a career in the hospitality industry can now apply for the hospitality program at the National Statler Center, which currently is offering a class to the blind, visually-impaired and physically disabled at its Buffalo, N.Y., campus.

The course provides extensive training in hospitality, hotels and tourism using customer service as the driving theme. Microsoft (News - Alert) Office training will be used to place graduates in fulfilling careers. Individuals can send in their applications immediately as the next 10-week course begins Jan. 26. 

In a release, Renee DiFlavio, senior vice president of employment and education at the Statler Center, said, “Students from throughout the U.S., North America and abroad benefit greatly from our classes. We encourage prospective students to enroll immediately for our Jan. 26, class as space is filling quickly. We have 10 years experience offering this program and are proud to have over 360 graduates. Plus, our job placement rate exceeds 82 percent.”

Students will receive a comprehensive overview of each industry as well as job-specific knowledge. All those who graduate from this unique program will be computer-literate, equipped with a thorough knowledge of industry standards and ready for successful, long-term careers. Potential employers are every business where customer service is critical, focusing on hotels, travel and tourism agencies and other businesses needing a range of customer service professionals, including call centers.

The National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service is celebrating its 11th year and has recently graduated its 35th class. Graduates are employed by hotel companies such as the Ritz Carlton, Adam’s Mark, Sheraton, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Radisson and Hampton Hotels as well as respected smaller properties. Students from all over the nation have enrolled.

Support for Statler comes from Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Allene Reuss Memorial Trust, AVAYA Corporation, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the William G McGowan Charitable Fund, Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, VESID - Vocational Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Google (News - Alert) Grants, Herb Siegel Foundation, Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, the Statler Foundation, and state and federal programs.

Calvin Azuri is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Calvin’s articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Tammy Wolf