Apprenticeship Program

The Destinations International Foundation, in partnership with Destinations International, recognizes the importance of cultivating a tourism industry that represents a wide variety of individuals at all levels, celebrating the broad range of human differences among us, while embracing the commonalities we share.

The Apprenticeship Program is a 600-hour program with the goal to help create a culturally progressive and socially reflective tourism industry by exposing talented individuals to the vast scope of career opportunities available in the destination marketing industry.

The program will provide opportunities to recent college and university students and will actively target people from diverse backgrounds and others traditionally underrepresented in the industry.

BENEFITS

• Gain valuable onsite work experience with a pre-selected destination organization or Convention & Visitors Bureau who are committed to the professional development of program participants.
• Experience working across multiple departments: Marketing & Communications, Community Engagement, Visitor Services, Meeting & Events, Convention Sales, and Governance & Administration
• Merge academic theory with practical application in the workplace.
• Exposure to local stakeholders and community partners: Hotels, Convention Center, Tradeshow Management, Sports Commission, Airport Authority, Economic Development Agency, Meeting/Conference Planners, and Attraction/Experience Partners
• Guaranteed employment post-apprenticeship.

"The apprenticeship allowed me to experience incredibly unique opportunities. I helped SMG open U.S. Bank Stadium, I led a research project for the City Coordinator of Minneapolis, and I assisted the leadership team at The Marriott City Center, just to name a few. This is the perfect program for students seeking a diverse immersion into the hospitality industry. I am so grateful to have piloted this program and to have established a strong network of relationships that I can rely on as I progress in this industry."

 -Lataya Williams, 2016 Apprenticeship Program participant, Minneapolis, MN

"The Destinations International Foundation Apprenticeship Program was a tremendous resource for us in being able to bridge the experience gap in hiring young team members. Because of the broad experience our apprentice, Lataya, garnered, she was ready to step into a full time position with Meet Minneapolis and contribute almost immediately."

-Melvin Tennant, CAE, President & CEO, Meet Minneapolis

"The apprenticeship program gave me the opportunity to see the hospitality industry holistically. I was able to learn tips and advice about this industry, and I was also able to meet industry leaders, shadow them, and create relationships that I’m nurturing to this day as a full-time employee at Destination DC."

-Caleb Ross, 2016 Apprenticeship Program participant, Washington, DC

Apprenticeship participants have been selected for 2017. Please check back for future opportunities in 2018.