Hospitality Foundations

FREE, SHORT-TERM PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WHO QUALIFY! Union hospitality employers in Minnesota continue to seek trained entry-level workers. These jobs offer stable schedules, competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, especially within unionized workplaces.

This in-person and supported online program helps participants build foundational hospitality skills and connects them directly to employers who are hiring. Participants receive individualized career navigation and job placement support throughout the program and after completion. Program Includes: Hospitality Foundations Certificate, Hospitality & Customer Service Certificate (UMN), Customer Service Skills, Workplace Readiness, Resume & Interview Coaching, Union & Worker Rights Education, Job Connections, and Support Services.

Participants gain foundational skills and stackable certificates needed to enter hospitality employment. Graduates exit to jobs such as room attendant, food prep worker, server support, catering staff, lobby attendant, laundry aide, and related entry-level hospitality roles.

Skill Training: 

• Hospitality Foundations Certificate - (April 27–May 21 — afternoons, scheduled) - Location: Hubbs Center - 1030 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55104 

• Hospitality & Customer Service Certificate (University of Minnesota Extension) - (Online, supported, scheduled pacing during program window) 

• Customer service & workplace expectations (Hospitality focused) 

• Resume development & interview skills 

• Job search preparation for hospitality employers 

• Union overview & worker rights (UNITE HERE Local 17) 

• Digital skills & online job applications 

Minnesota Training Partnership’s Hospitality Foundations program prepares adults for entry-level career pathways in the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, catering companies, and event venues. The program is delivered in partnership with UNITE HERE Local 17, hospitality employers, Saint Paul Public Schools Adult Basic Education, and the University of Minnesota Tourism Center. 

Program Information Orientation / Intake:  Monday, April 27 — 12:00 PM–3:30 PM (Hubbs Center – St. Paul) 

Training Location: Hubbs Center - Saint Paul Public Schools - 1030 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55104 

Date: April 27th 2026

Prerequisites: Program is designed for BIPOC or lower-income participants.

Cost: Free for eligible Minnesotans who are BIPOC or low-income.