Creating a Bridge to Careers in Hospitality
Our Customer Service English class, begun in the fall semester of 2024, is an Integrated Education and Training program approved by the Maine Department of Education’s Adult Education Office. Using a co-teaching model that integrates adult education and literacy activities, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training activities, this class serves Intermediate English language learners in ESOL Levels 3 and 4. Fourteen weeks in length with 5 hours of instruction per week, adult students build English skills with contextualized instruction focused on hospitality and tourism. In addition, students benefit from individualized activities focused on preparing for a career in a hospitality-related job, with an attention to goal setting, resume writing, and interviewing skills. The purpose of this program is to support learners’ educational and career advancement.
In this class, students will:
understand, discuss, read, and write about work-related goals, ways to find a job, and job interview procedures. Students will focus on employment vocabulary.
demonstrate knowledge of customer service skills.
understand the basic rights of individuals living in the U.S. Students will understand who is eligible to apply for citizenship and pathways to do so.
increase digital literacy skills.
Enrolled students attend a field trip to a local employer partner in the hospitality industry, tour the Greater Portland Career Center, listen to a presentation from Goodwill Workforce Solutions, and participate in mock interviews with the support of local employers.
By the completion of the class, students earn the WelcomeME 2.0 Hospitality Training digital badge from the Maine Office of Tourism and Hospitality Maine through Southern Maine Community College.
The next class will be held in the Fall 2025 semester. Class dates and more information about the application process is coming soon!