Job Seeker Program

Information sessions will resume in September at our Dudley Square location. They will be held the first Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. and the third Monday of the month at 11 a.m.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

  • Wednesday, September 6 at 5 p.m.
  • Monday, September 18 at 11 a.m.
  • Wednesday, October 4 at 5 p.m.
  • Monday, October 16 at 11 a.m.
  • Wednesday, November 1 at 5 p.m.
  • Monday, November 20 at 11 a.m.

Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship/ Introduction to Hospitality Training Program

UNITE HERE Local 26 Housekeeping Apprenticeship Program
This 150 hour, six-week, full time pre-apprenticeship program, trains participants for positions as apprentices in hotel housekeeping departments. The related classroom instruction includes components such as hands-on skills training in a model hotel room, ergonomics, chemical safety and blood-borne pathogens, cross-cultural communication skills, customer service, professionalism, non-harassment, financial literacy, computer skills, interview skills, hotel branding and two weeks of job shadowing. Upon completion, participants work with career coaches on their job search. Graduates receive a Massachusetts Department of Labor Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship credential. An articulation agreement between Bunker Hill Community College and BEST awards 9 college credits to pre-apprentice graduates pursuing a hospitality certificate or associates degree.

150 Hours

This six-week, full-time course, trains participants for positions in hotel housekeeping departments and includes the following components:

• Hands-on skills training in a model hotel room 

• Hotel tours

• Two weeks of job shadowing at partner hotels 

• Computer skills

• Ergonomics

• Chemical safety and blood-borne pathogens 

• Cross-cultural communication skills

• Customer service and professionalism

• Financial literacy

• Branding

• Non-harassment

Upon completion, participants enter Phase II, which includes guided job search and career coaching. Graduates receive a Department

of Labor Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship credential and are eligible for college credit at Bunker Hill Community College.

The Mel King Empowerment Program (MKEP) is a diversity-hiring initiative aimed at increasing the number of U.S. born African Americans employed in quality hotel jobs. All U.S. born African Americans enrolled in our Introduction to Hospitality Training Program are part of the MKEP.

Classes are held at our Chinatown and Dudley Square locations.

To be eligible for the Introduction to Hospitality Training Program, participants must: 

  • Be eligible to work in the United States.
  • Be available to attend a full-time training program Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and job shadowing, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Be able to lift 50 pounds, push 200 pounds, and stand for at least 4 hours without assistance.
  • Have flexible work availability including every Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
  • Have proficiency in English at an intermediate level.
  • Be able to pass a drug test.

To apply:

Attend an information session. Arrive 30 minutes early to complete paperwork. Information sessions include a general overview of the training program and a short screening interview. Plan to spend at least two hours at the information session. The full application process includes three interviews, reference checking and drug testing.

Dates:

  • Cycle I:  January 9 – February 17, 2017
  • Cycle II:  February 27 – April 7, 2017
  • Cycle III:  March 13 – April 21, 2017
  • Cycle IV:  May 15 – June 23, 2017

Please note that classes are grant funded and these grants have specific eligibility requirements. BEST Hospitality Training staff determines candidates’ eligibility for a particular class.