| Thursday, 14 May 2009 | |
Second JHI cycle of 2009 kicks off The Jacksonville Hospitality Institute (JHI), a free 9-week training class for jobs in the hospitality industry, kicked off it's second class of 2009 Thursday at its orientation. Prospective students were provided lunch and inspiration by JHI's instructors, former students, FreshMinistries staff and hotel industry veterans.  "There are so many promotional opportunities in the hotel industry," said Angelia Redding, client coordinator at Beaver Street Enterprise Center and former hotel employee. "They love to promote from within and the give on-the-job training."JHI's instructors, Darlene Yarborough and Bob Burr, outlined what the students would be facing over the next 9 weeks: hands-on housekeeping, front desk and food service training; life skills training to learn how to better manage money and themselves; interview preparation; and a 2-week internship at a local hotel or restaurant. "You're going to learn a lot and you're going to help each other be the best you can be," said Burr. "So get ready to have some fun, learn some things and become a family." JHI has held 10 class cycles and has trained over 170 people since it began in 2006. Like most previous class cycles, the students' reasons for attending JHI this cycle seemed varied but were actually very similar at their core: the desire for change.  "I'm here for a career change," said Mella Christian. "I was in the healthcare industry for 16 years in administration, but was laid off in 2007. I heard about JHI during an Eastside homeowners association meeting from a representative from FreshMinistries. So far, I'm very impressed with what I think JHI has to offer and am looking forward to my career change.""I need a better job," said Ron Tealiaferro. "I've been looking for a while, but keep coming up empty-handed. I used to operate a forklift for a warehouse but got laid off. My unemployment ran out and I have a 13-year-old son at home. I've taken a job at McDonalds right now so I can at least pay my bills. If I can get into a new industry, new doors will hopefully open for me and I will be in better shape."           |
Coming Up
'7 Habits of Successful Families' workshop
(open to the public)
August 7 & 14, 8:30am - 1:00pm
Jacksonville Children’s Commission
Contact
1131 North Laura St.
Jacksonville, FL 32206
Phone: (904) 355-0000
Fax: (904) 355-3004
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