FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) is proud to forge a partnership with Columbia State Community College and its brand new Hospitality and Tourism Management program. The program, which begins in the fall of 2016 and is the only of its kind in the Middle Tennessee area, will train students in the necessary management skills to enter the industry as highly-trained, customer experience oriented staff to the hospitality and tourism partners across Williamson County.
“We are excited to be a part of implementing this program and what it means not just for the students at Columbia State, but for all of our hospitality and tourism partners in Williamson County as well,” said WCCVB President and CEO Ellie Westman Chin. “The hospitality and tourism program will provide a pipeline of well-trained employees that will grow the industry here in the county and around the region.”
The hospitality and tourism focused curriculum will begin as a technical certificate and eventually grow into a two-year Associates Degree. Through their coursework, students will learn basic industry knowledge and management skills, while gaining real-world experience in the areas of business, marketing, finance, sales, event planning and much more. Additionally, the WCCCVB is one of 17 area partners that will be teaming with Columbia State to provide real-world experience through internships to program participants.
In addition to an internship with Visit Franklin, students will also have opportunities to gain valuable industry experience from: A. Marshall Family Foods, Carnton Plantation & Carter House, Drury Inn, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Suites, Jim ‘N Nicks, Franklin Marriott, Music City Roots, Well-Planned Events, Red Pony, Cork & Cow/55 South, Hyatt Place, Chandler Thinks, Tazikis and Juice Bar.
Dr. Shanna Jackson, Associate Vice President of the Williamson Campus, added, “The creation of this program demonstrates what can happen when workforce collaborates with education. Our new program was developed by the very people who will hire our graduates.”
Those interested in the program can find additional information, including full course descriptions here, along with information on how to be invited to a May 14 Hospitality & Tourism Career Summit that will take place at the new Columbia State Williamson County campus.
ABOUT THE WCCVB The Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for Franklin and the unique communities of Williamson County, Tennessee. The WCCVB stimulates economic growth through the promotion of travel and tourism assets such as history, music, attractions, entertainment, the arts, and events to visitors from around the world. For information on Franklin and Williamson County, visit us on the web at VisitFranklin.com.
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