ATLANTA, Ga.—InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Goodwill Industries International announced the establishment of the Goodwill IHG Academy program in the U.S. and Canada that will offer skills development and employment opportunities to those seeking a career in the hospitality industry. Goodwill IHG Academy participants will have access to job services, resources, and real-world work experience in IHG-branded hotels that will help increase opportunities for employment.
The IHG Academy program is tailored to meet local job needs around the world through IHG-branded hotels working hand-in-hand with educational and community organizations to fill jobs in hospitality. Goodwill provides job training programs that meet the needs of local employers in high-growth industries, like hospitality, through job services and other community-based programs such as counseling, financial education and résumé preparation. Through the Goodwill IHG Academy program, both organizations are working together to create more sustainable communities.
“We are enthusiastic about working with Goodwill Industries to expand the IHG Academy program in North America and further support economic growth,” said Kirk Kinsell, president, the Americas, IHG. “Being a responsible business is a part of IHG’s DNA. We take a long-term view of our business and focus on how we can positively impact our local communities now and in the future.”
Individuals participating in the Goodwill IHG Academy will receive a skills development experience that includes work placement in IHG-branded hotels, performance feedback, and recruitment discussions that will give them opportunities to gain experience with the job interview process. The work placement opportunity will add important mentoring and networking connections for those whose utilize Goodwill’s jobs services.
“Goodwill builds strong communities through job creation,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Our partnership and collaboration with IHG will enable us to create more sustainable communities by establishing job training and placement opportunities in the field of hospitality.”
“Goodwill has done tremendous work though its community-based programs that help people achieve economic independence,” said Kate Gibson, vice president, corporate responsibility – sustainable communities, IHG. “Together, we will work to close the skills gap, fill available jobs within IHG-branded hotels and provide a pipeline of talent for the hospitality industry.”
