Guest Services Management program Opens Fall 2019

Ella T. Grasso Technical High School, part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), will open a Guest Services Management program this fall. Students in New London County, who are entering grade 11 in September, are eligible to apply for the two-year program.

Grasso Tech is a grades 9-12, NEASC accredited, full-day high school program that focuses on rigorous core academics while preparing graduates for immediate employment, entry into apprenticeship programs or admission into a two-or four-year college.

Students who transfer into the Guest Services Management program will graduate with a high school diploma from Grasso Tech and with multiple career credentials.

Topics of study will include the management, marketing and operations of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel related services.

Grasso Tech’s newly constructed school features state-of-the-art Guest Management Services training facilities to include a fully functional conference center, mock hotel room and an active public dining room.

Successful students will graduate with ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification, ServSafe Allergen certification, TIPS Alcohol Awareness Program certification, Dining Certification or Certified Restaurant Server, Guest Services Professional Certification, Hospitality and Tourism Management Professional certification, and more.

According to the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, the hospitality industry continues to grow both nationally and internationally, and with it, the need for qualified employees at all levels. The hospitality industry has been adding jobs at a nine percent faster rate than the rest of the economy, and is expected to continue its growth as companies build new properties and seek employees to staff them.

The combination of training and certifications offered at Grasso Tech will prepare graduates for immediate employment in positions such as entry-level hotel supervisor, food and beverage manager, concierge, event coordinator, or flight attendant.

Unique to the technical high school experience at Grasso Tech is the hands-on career development experience students get through the Work-based Learning (WBL) program in partnership with local businesses. The exposure students receive during their Work-based Learning experience often leads to employment.

For more information about enrolling in the Guest Services Management program, contact Chris Jones at Chris.Jones@ct.gov. Download an application here.

CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting technical high schools serving approximately 10,700 high school students, two Aviation Maintenance Technician schools and a Technical Education Center. The Connecticut Technical High Schools provide students with a comprehensive academic and advanced trade technologies curriculum. Learn more at www.cttech.org.