A new hotel hospitality program at Oxnard College will begin in August. Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) is taking a leadership role in the program’s development and will provide hands-on opportunities for enrolled students.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - February 14th, 2015 - A new hotel hospitality program at Oxnard College will begin in August. Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) is taking a leadership role in the program’s development and will provide hands-on opportunities for enrolled students. Students have the opportunity to receive an AA degree or a professional certificate once completing the program.

            Hospitality Education Pathway will teach students about hospitality marketing, accounting, front office procedures, housekeeping management, hospitality law, facilities management, human resources and food and restaurant management.

            VCLA members are assisting with developing course curriculum. Some classes will take place at local hotels so students can get a firsthand look at how various departments function. They will take tours of VCLA hotels and tourist venues as part of the program. Paid and nonpaid internships will be available.

            For Amber Floyd, senior catering sales executive at the Ventura Beach Marriott, having a mentor when beginning her hospitality career was vital. “I was enrolled in a work experience class at Ventura High School where we participated as interns at the Ventura Beach Marriott,” says Floyd. “I job shadowed Lisa Stephens, director of sales and marketing. After my experience there, I knew this was the career path I wanted. I stayed connected with Lisa throughout college. After graduation, Lisa informed me that she had an opening as an administrative assistant. After 1 1/2 years in that position, she recommended that I apply for my current position. As my mentor, Lisa gave me a kick-start to this wonderful career. Starting something new is always the hardest part, so having someone to guide you along the way is essential.”

             “There are over 35,000* hospitality and leisure jobs in Ventura County and those numbers are growing as the county attracts more business and tourist visitors,” says Shannon Hillygus, general manager of Marriott Ventura Beach and co-chair of the VCLA education advisory board. “The sector is a major contributor to the local economy. Our members are looking to hire well-trained people with the desire and motivation for successful hospitality careers. We need this talent so we can continue to provide a quality experience to our guests. VCLA is excited to partner with Oxnard College to create this important program.”

            For enrollment information, call 805-485-3300.

Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA)

The Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) is comprised of lodging facilities and destination marketing organizations in the California cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura. VCLA represents 60 members including hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, RV Resorts, resort rentals, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau and Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau. Its "VenturaCountyWest" marketing campaign is designed to attract overnight leisure and business visitors to the region. www.venturacountywest.com  www.facebook.com/venturacountywest

*Source: 1/23/15 State of California EDD Labor Market Release, Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura MSA.

                                                 ###