Central Piedmont launches new hospitality workforce training program

JumpSTART—a new 12-week hospitality training program—came to Central Piedmont this fall to help meet the rising demand for talent in Charlotte’s hotel and lodging industry.  

The hospitality sector in Charlotte is booming, and employers are looking for job-ready talent. JumpSTART was created in direct response to feedback from local hospitality leaders and provides students with industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and career-building opportunities.  

Program details  

• Runs Mon., Oct. 20–Thu., Jan. 29  

• Includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning, a hotel externship, and a job fair  

• Prepares students for real-world hospitality careers with certifications and skills employers want  

Building industry connections  

The hospitality team at Central Piedmont recently joined the Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance’s General Sales Meeting at the Charlotte Convention Center.

They hosted an info table to promote JumpSTART and connect with local employers, shared how the program strengthens the hospitality workforce pipeline, and boosted community and employer partnerships through training and collaboration.