Orlando, Florida, February 2015-The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) is launching new flexible training and certification modules available in multiple formats to meet the needs of schools, workforce agencies, and properties.

START for Individual Positions and quickSTART for Individual Positions provide resources for training new or prospective employees in general hospitality knowledge, soft skills, and position-specific knowledge, combined with the opportunity to earn professional certification. Training and certification is available for the following positions: front desk representative, guestroom attendant, restaurant server, and maintenance employee.

All of the programs are available in print and online versions, with an instructor’s guide and participant study guide, as well as access to the certification exam. The main difference between the START and quickSTART programs is that, for START, job breakdowns are taught in a classroom setting, while for quickSTART, those tasks are taught on the job and validated by a supervisor or trainer.

By bundling the training and professional certification into a single product, START and quickSTART for Individual Positions provide organizations with streamlined, cost-effective training to bring employees on board quickly and provide workers with a portable, industry-recognized credential at the beginning of their hospitality career.

The START and quickSTART programs were developed with input from a team of hospitality industry subject matter experts, including: Mike Nalley, CHA, CHE, CHT, Best Western International; Calvin Banks, CHT, The Broadmoor; Christin Bell, Coakley & Williams; Cheryl Seckman, Courtyard by Marriott; Christine Andrews, Hostmark Hospitality Group; Gary Whitney, Intercontinental Hotel Group; Shannon Dooley, Interstate Hotels & Resorts; Mark Boccia, Marriott International; and Wilma Hall, CHA, U.S. Air Force.

Each of the programs is available in English, Spanish, or Simplified Chinese. Quantity pricing discounts are available for organizations interested in training large groups of employees or students. Contact an AHLEI sales manager for details at 1.800.349.0299 or +1.407.999.8100.