Hospitality Operations Specialist

As part of the INCAP Hospitality Operations Specialist apprenticeship, you'll develop a mix of hospitality, communication, business, and professional skills, including guest service, marketing, business operations, teamwork, problem-solving, and hospitality technology.

Students will not be required to take any hospitality-specific courses at their high school because all relevant coursework will be taught during their time with their employer and/or through the online learning management system. However, students are encouraged to take related classes if available at their school (examples include Introduction to Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Principles of Business Management, Digital Applications and Responsibility, or equivalent computer applications). The only requirement for students is that their school schedule allows them to leave the school building to work while still completing the classes they need to graduate.

Through this apprenticeship, students will meet the key requirements for Indiana’s new Employment Honors Plus diploma seal: completing at least 650 hours of work-based learning and earning an INCAP credential, which is recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as a Credential of Value. The diploma seal and the INCAP credential are recognized by businesses across Indiana as indicators of industry experience, and the INCAP credential may count toward college credit in a related degree program.

Hospitality Operations Specialists will also earn the following industry credentials: ServSafe Food Protection Manager, ServSafe Allergens, ServSafe Alcohol (if required by the role), and AHLEI Guest Service Gold with the Certified Guest Service Professional designation. Apprentices also can elect to earn additional industry credentials: AHLEI Hospitality and Tourism Specialist (HTS), ServSuccess Certified Restaurant Professional, and ManageFirst Restaurant Management Professional (RMP).