Job Seeker Programs

BEST currently offers three programs to start your career in the hospitality industry. We host weekly Information Sessions every Tuesday at 11AM at our Seaport Training Center located at 450 Summer St, Boston (attached to the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport). Please attend an Info Session to apply to our programs and complete this form.

Introduction to Hospitality, Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship & Apprenticeship Program

This training prepares graduates for union hotel housekeeping jobs at Boston area hotels.

Direct Career Coaching and Placement Program

This program provides coaching and job placement assistance for individuals seeking union jobs at a Boston area hotel.

Culinary Training Program

This new training program prepares graduates for union culinary jobs at Boston area hotels.

Introduction to Hospitality, Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Programs

The Introduction to Hospitality, Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 150-hour Massachusetts registered pre-apprenticeship program in hotel housekeeping. The program is a free training that prepares graduates for union housekeeping jobs at one of our partner hotels.

  • Classes are held in-person Monday-Friday from 9AM to 2PM for six weeks.
  • Students complete four shifts (7AM-5PM) of job shadowing at two different partner hotels.
  • Program components include hands-on skills training in a hotel room, OSHA housekeeping safety certification, professionalism, resume writing, interview practice, customer service, job readiness, technology skills, and communication.
  • Each student receives one-on-one career coaching, job placement, and job retention services.
  • Supportive services are offered to assist students in overcoming barriers to participation and employment. These may include transportation, childcare, and housing.
  • Graduates receive a nationally recognized certificate of pre-apprenticeship completion from the Massachusetts Department of Labor, Division of Apprentice Standards. Graduates also receive nine credits towards Bunker Hill Community College’s Hospitality Management program. Once hired, graduates begin their on-the-job training 2,000-hour apprenticeship. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, graduates earn a nationally recognized certification from the Massachusetts Department of Labor, Division of Apprentice Standards and three additional credits at Bunker Hill Community College.

To participate in the Introduction to Hospitality, Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship Program, you must be…

  • authorized to work in the United States
  • able to communicate well in English
  • able to work a rotating schedule
  • willing to work weekends and holidays
  • able to pass an employer background check 
  • able to pass a drug test
  • able to lift 50 pounds, push 250 pounds, and stand for 4 hours
  • able to begin work immediately

The next Introduction to Hospitality, Housekeeping Pre-Apprenticeship class begins January 13, 2025.

Direct Career Coaching and Placement Program

For individuals ready to begin a union job at a hotel without attending a training program, our Direct Career Coaching and Placement Program provides individuals with free one-on-one career coaching, job placement, and job retention assistance.

  • Clients are required to meet with BEST staff at least twice a week.
  • Services include: Job Readiness, Resume Development, Skills Assessment, Job Search, Interviewing Skills, Getting Hired, Keeping your Job, and Professionalism in the Workplace
  • Clients should be interested in getting a union hotel job. Entry-level positions include: Room Attendant / Housekeeper, Housekeeping Houseperson, Server, Mini-Bar Attendant, Banquet Houseperson, Bellperson, and more!

To participate in the Direct Career Coaching and Placement Program, you must…

  • have some hospitality work experience
  • be interested in getting a union hotel job
  • be authorized to work in the United States
  • be able to communicate well in English
  • be able to work a rotating schedule
  • be willing to work weekends and holidays
  • be able to pass an employer background check 
  • be able to pass a drug test
  • be able to lift 50 pounds, push 250 pounds, and stand for 4 hours
  • be able to begin work immediately

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. There may be a waiting list.

Culinary Training Program

The Culinary Training Program is a training program that prepares graduates for union line cook jobs at one of our partner hotels.

  • Classes are held in-person Tuesday-Thursday from 4PM to 8PM for sixteen weeks.
  • Students complete full shifts of job shadowing at our partner hotels.
  • Program components include hands-on culinary skills training in a professional hotel kitchen, ServSafe Food Handler and MA Allergens certification, professionalism, resume writing, interview practice, customer service, job readiness, technology skills, and communication.
  • Each student receives one-on-one career coaching, job placement, and job retention services.

To participate in the Culinary Training Program, you must…

  • have kitchen work experience 
  • be looking for a full-time union line cook job 

And you must be…

  • authorized to work in the United States
  • able to communicate well in English
  • able to work a rotating schedule
  • willing to work weekends and holidays
  • able to pass an employer background check 
  • able to pass a drug test
  • able to lift 50 pounds, push 250 pounds, and stand for 4 hours
  • able to begin work immediately

The next Culinary Training Program class begins in 2025.