If you like travel and are intrigued by the idea of helping others explore the beauty, culture and cuisine of the world around them, you will want to check out the Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster.

This cluster introduces students to management, marketing and operation of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation and travel services.

This career cluster is organized into four career pathways:

• Lodging
• Recreation, amusement and attractions
• Restaurants and food and beverage services
• Travel and tourism

Careers

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Students in agriculture, food and natural resources learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-high school education and training opportunities, from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to four-year college and graduate programs.

CTE classes in this cluster will introduce you to a variety of interesting careers including:

• Restaurant, food service, lounge, casino, coffee shop, or catering owner, operator or manager
• Hotel, motel, resort, or bed and breakfast owner, operator or manager
• Tour company owner, operator or manager
• Meeting and convention planner
• Interpreter or translator
• Tourism and travel services marketing manager

Note: Each school and school district has different CTE options. Not every district has classes in every cluster, nor does every district offer CTE dual credit and Advanced Placement options.

Career and Technical Student Organizations

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Career and technical student organizations are much more than clubs. They provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and for applying career, leadership and personal skills in real-world environments. Participants build their skills by developing projects, attending events, and competing regionally and nationally.

The student organization for hospitality and tourism is Washington State Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

Education After High School

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It is fact that young people who have at least one year of post-high school education earn thousands of dollars more a year. So, if you spend even one year at a two- or four-year college, in a certificate program at a technical school, or in an apprenticeship after you graduate from high school, you will very likely earn higher wages all your life. By furthering your education, you will be better-prepared to successfully navigate the world of work.

After taking CTE classes in hospitality and tourism, you could pursue any number of opportunities including:

• An apprenticeship as a restaurant manager, travel consultant or other careers in this field
• A two- or four-year degree in hospitality and tourism at a community or technical college

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Middle and High School

For information about your district's CTE offerings and how to move forward with planning for your future, contact or visit:

• Preparing for your future: Why CTE?
• Your school career or guidance counselor
• Your principal or school district Career and Technical Education office
• OSPI Career and Technical Education Office

Apprenticeship and College

More than 1,000 jobs in Washington are connected to an active, registered apprenticeship program. For more information about apprenticeships and colleges, visit:

• How to become an apprentice: Five steps to getting started
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Checkoutacollege.com
• Washington Career Bridge
• U.S. Department of Education - An official web site designed for college students and their families. Provides easy access to educational information and resources.

Additional Resources

• Washington Bed and Breakfast Guild - Voluntary association of bed and breakfast owners representing Washington inns which meet high standards of cleanliness and hospitality. Works with state and local governments to promote tourism.
• AAA Washington
• Washington State Parks - Job opportunities in Washington parks, from park rangers to engineering, planning and construction positions
• U.S. National Park Service: Washington
• Washington Restaurant Association - With a workforce of 186,000 employees, the restaurant industry is the largest private employer in the state.
• International Association of Culinary Professionals - A not-for-profit professional association that provides continuing education and development for its members
• American Culinary Federation - A professional organization for chefs and cooks

For Educators

Forms and Standards