THE ASPIRE BLOG

Aspire’s Employment Services program provides people with the services and support they need to increase their ability to work successfully. And that now includes additional resources and training from a partnership with Invest Hamilton County, an economic development organization focused on talent attraction, retention, development and quality of life initiatives throughout Hamilton County.

“Mike Thibideau is the CEO for Invest Hamilton County and also a board member for Aspire Indiana Health,” says Aspire Vice President of Social Impact Mike Keevin. “Mike has an economic development background and a real passion for employment. So when he and I connected, we started talking about the hospitality training Invest Hamilton Country already provides and how Aspire could be involved and help take that training to the next level.”

Aspire offers career planning and counseling along with job preparation skills, job search and placement, working with employers — at no cost — to help find workers who match their specific needs. Invest Hamilton County works with diverse and dynamic stakeholders to help local residents, businesses and communities address barriers to economic vitality. It was a natural fit to work together.

“Research by Invest Hamilton County showed hospitality positions are a gateway to economic opportunity,” says Invest Hamilton County President and CEO Mike Thibideau. “After discussions with Aspire Indiana Health, it was identified that Aspire’s clients would be ideal candidates for this Hospitality Training program.”

“Invest Hamilton County oversees the curriculum and daily operations through Mattison Corporation, which supports student success by preparing them for the industry,” says Invest Hamilton County Director of Programs Jill Doyle. “A local hotel manager delivers the curriculum, sharing practical insights.”

The partnership offers a tailored support system, providing students with in-demand hospitality skills. Through collaboration with community organizations, employers and vocational rehab services, it boosts employability, builds confidence, offers mentorship and connects students with job opportunities. This holistic approach increases their workforce success and encourages inclusive hiring, creating stable, long-term career paths in the hospitality industry. The program is funded by Invest Hamilton County, Hamilton County Tourism and Hamilton County Government.

“We host the events at our Aspire facility, and we work through our Employment Services program — that is serving more than 100 people at any given time — to have a pipeline of people interested in learning more about hospitality,” Keevin says. 

The program brings in guest speakers from area businesses and hotels to teach and interact with the training participants and make real-world connections for possible future employment.

“The hospitality course I have had the pleasure to teach is a valuable program that equips individuals with a wide range of skills and knowledge of the hospitality industry,” says Fairfield by Marriott Indianapolis Carmel General Manager Kelly Forner. “The skills they learn are applicable not only within the hospitality field but also in many other industries. When applied, these skills put them steps ahead of other candidates.” 

So far, the program has been through three cohorts, with the goal of participants being recognized as a Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“After three cycles, all students have passed the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) Guest Service Gold certification tests, with many securing jobs in hospitality,” says Mattison Corporation’s Vanessa Jimenez. “One student from the first cohort even received a promotion within six months, allowing her to purchase a home.”

“I was unemployed and looking for a job that paid more than $12/hour,” says Tiffany Jacobs, an Aspire Hospitality Program graduate. “Not only did they help pay for gas to get to the location, but they provided lunch every day, and we got paid for the class — which was a huge help while being unemployed. You could tell everyone at Aspire really cared about teaching us hospitality and giving us opportunities for employment.” 

“Once I completed the class and got my certificate, not only did it look excellent on my resume, but it also opened a lot of doors for me. I got an amazing job opportunity about two weeks after the class, and it’s a job I definitely wouldn’t have gotten without the class.”