AHLA FOUNDATION APPLAUDS DOL RULE ON APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

WASHINGTON (March 10, 2020) – The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLA Foundation) today released the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Labor’s final rule on Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). The quote is attributable to Rosanna Maietta, president of the American Hotel & Lodging Foundation. 
 
“The hospitality industry applauds the U.S. Department of Labor’s decision to create Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). In the tightest labor market in a decade, the hotel industry looks forward to working with the Department and Administration to promote and expand high quality work and learn programs nationwide. 
 
“In a business of people taking care of people, we could not be successful without the 8 million men and women in jobs that the hotel industry supports. Our industry exemplifies the American Dream, and our apprenticeship programs have allowed us to use a trusted model to groom talent and grow careers. Industry adoption of AHLA’s registered Lodging Manager Apprenticeship program is yielding an impressive 94 percent retention rate for employers, and AHLA recently received USDOL registration for its newly launched Hotel Cook Apprenticeship Program. We look forward to continuing to broaden adoption of these registered programs while developing a new complimentary IRAP path for the lodging sector in 2020.”  
 
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About The AHLA Foundation: 
The AHLA Foundation, the charitable giving arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, is dedicated to helping people build careers, improve their lives and strengthen the lodging industry. From lifting individuals out of poverty and connecting them with a life-long career in the industry to providing certifications to promote current hotel employees into leadership positions, the Foundation's programs are changing the industry by changing lives. We are committed to elevating, educating, and empowering individuals and the public on the industry’s story of opportunity and advancement. Since its founding in 1953, the Foundation has distributed over $27 million in support of the industry and is committed to ensuring a strong and viable workforce for the entire lodging industry. The Foundation is funded solely by contributions from generous individuals and companies who want to give back to the hotel industry and ensure a successful future.  Learn more at www.AHLAFoundation.org.