At your service

WHAT: A group of hospitality professionals developed a training program to help those interested in working in the hospitality industry build skills.

DETAILS: Pathways Up for Success in Hospitality (PUSH) is a program that offers free courses to hospitality workers. Those who successfully complete various trainings earn a certification that aligns them for hospitality jobs in the region.

SUNY Adirondack Business professor Kelli Hatin served on Warren County’s Hospitality Workforce Committee to develop a training incentive program to secure a flow of qualified tourism professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“Our group met often weekly for months to lay plans to create a ‘pathway’ for individuals to garner information about hospitality, our region and the industry,” Hatin said. The program included an “on your own” online Career Management Training package curated from offerings including Metrix and A2D (Arrival to Departure) Hospitality Training Program coordinated by Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and CVB.

Individuals who complete both parts of the program receive a Pathways Up for Success in Hos-

Great Opportunity

With national unemployment rates at a low and businesses struggling to find workers, Great Escape tapped a local resource: SUNY Adirondack students.

In spring 2022, the company — one of the region’s largest seasonal employers — teamed with the college to offer opportunities to students in its collaborative “Work, Learn and Play” program.

pitality (PUSH) badge through Warren County Workforce Development. This badge can be included on resumes, indicating the job candidate is in “advanced standing” among PUSH partner businesses, entitling them to a guaranteed interview and a higher starting wage.

Students in Hatin’s Principles of Hospitality class (HOS 181) are required to take the A2D training and are offered the opportunity to take the Metrix option to earn the PUSH badge.

Other committee members include Liza Ochsendorf, director of Warren County Workforce Development; Tyler Herrick, general manager of The Queensbury Hotel and president of Spruce Hospitality; the late Frank Dittrich; Jim Siplon, executive director of Warren County Economic Development Corporation; Roger Allan, an A2D trainer; Andrea Kinderman of Warren County Workforce Development; and Amy Potter of Warren County EDC.

Students earned up to $16.25 an hour, lived on campus, were provided shuttle transportation to and from campus, received free park tickets and meals, and were given flexible schedules so they could enroll in summer classes.

“We hired 14 students and offered a variety of experiences — security, operations, marketing — that directly aligned with their studies and future career goals,” said Andrea Sheldon, director of Human Resources at the park.

“We provided hands-on education and experience, and hope to continue growing the program to create future leaders for Six Flags and the Lake George region.”

A program allowed students to stay on campus for the summer, work in various positions at the 150-acre theme park and continue to earn credits toward a degree.