The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration announced the launch of the Hotel Associate Youth Apprenticeship program, an initiative designed to equip youth with skills and experience for a future in Guam’s hospitality industry. 

This program provides high school students an opportunity to gain hands-on training with hotel partners and pursue careers in the hotel sector.

The program is a collaboration between the Guam Department of Labor and Guam Community College.

The Hyatt Regency Guam and Hotel Nikko Guam registered as the first two hotels to employ six paid student apprentices. Other hotels that have joined HAYAP include Dusit Thani Guam Resort, Dusit Beach Resort, Bayview Hotel Guam, and Guam Plaza Resort and Spa.

Several more hotels are lined up to join once they complete their apprenticeship standards.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said, “The Youth Apprenticeship Program represents an innovative approach to workforce development. Instead of focusing solely on attracting experienced workers to fill shortages, this program focuses on cultivating new and up-and-coming talent for the job market.”

“By offering vocational opportunities directly in schools, young people who may choose an alternate path from college can enter the workforce immediately after high school. This pathway provides students with a direct route to career readiness, aligning their interests and skills with industry needs,” added Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio.

Like a registered apprenticeship program, HAYAP is also an employer-driven apprenticeship program where students can work, get paid, earn their Certificate of Mastery, and pursue an Associate of Science in International Hotel Management. In HAYAP, students get on-the-job training, mentorship, and explore different careers in hospitality and tourism.

High school students must be at least 16 years of age to qualify and have completed at least one year of GCC’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program. To learn more about HAYAP, visit guamcc.edu/HAYAP.

GDOL Director David Dell’Isola said, “Apprenticeship programs are a proven model for success. We’ve seen the results with the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program and similar programs in partnership with GCC. Over the years, thousands have graduated from these programs and have gone on to successful and fulfilling careers, contributing to the local economy. We now want to bring that successful apprenticeship model into the classroom and give our younger generation more alternatives and opportunities for career paths as we partner with the private sector and identify areas in high demand. This will help our students gain relevant skills and prepare them for the future workforce while also meeting the needs of the job market.”

The success of HAYAP has already sparked interest from other industries. GDOL is now engaging with employers from industries such as automotive, culinary, early childhood education, and construction to explore youth apprenticeship programs in these fields.

Earlier this week, Governor Leon Guerrero proclaimed May 5 to 11, 2024 as Youth Apprenticeship Week. Building off the success of National Apprenticeship Week, this year marks the inaugural year of Youth Apprenticeship Week nationwide.

Youth Apprenticeship Week highlights the benefits and value of Registered Apprenticeship program opportunities for youth. To watch the event in its entirety, visit youtube.com/@govlouguam.

For more information about HAYAP or Youth Apprenticeship Week, contact GDOL at 671-475-7000/1 or visit dol.guam.gov.