Certificate program, paid internship and veteran services are linked to encourage long-term career success
PHOENIX, Nov. 20, 2014 — Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT), Goodwill Industries International and Apollo Education Group (Nasdaq: APOL), parent company of University of Phoenix, today announced the launch of the Hilton Military Internship Program. This collaboration between higher education, business and nonprofit intends to develop military spouse and veteran talent for potential opportunities at Hilton Worldwide, particularly in supervisory roles.
Participants in the Hilton Military Internship Program can earn a certificate in Hospitality Management from University of Phoenix School of Business and participate in a separate six-month, paid internship at a Hilton Worldwide property in a select U.S. city to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Learners who successfully complete the Certificate in Hospitality Management program and the Hilton Military Internship Program are guaranteed opportunities to interview with Hilton for full-time positions. The certificate program offers veterans flexibility to work while growing skills to help qualify them for supervisory roles.
Goodwill Industries International’s community-based headquarters across the country will ensure program participants receive holistic career and family support throughout the program to achieve long-term stability and success.
“Employers are eager to fill their vacancies with top talent,” said Rosye Cloud, senior advisor for Veteran Employment for the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Veterans and their spouses are an ideal talent pipeline. Our military community has a strong record of meeting the complex demands of today. “
“Hilton Worldwide is a strong supporter of our nation’s active and retired service members and believes it is critical for employers to recognize the unique skill sets of military employees and spouses by providing them with continued development and growth opportunities,” said Rodney Moses, Vice President of Global Recruiting, Hilton Worldwide. “As part of Hilton Worldwide’s Operation: Opportunity, we are committed to hiring 10,000 veterans by 2018. The hospitality industry is dynamic and needs effective leaders and we look forward to welcoming more veterans and their spouses to our hotels and corporate offices.”
“We share a common commitment with Hilton and Goodwill® to address employment challenges in the U.S., including confronting those faced by veterans when transitioning to civilian careers,” said Mitch Bowling, chief operating officer, Apollo Education Group.
“This program demonstrates the ability of industry, higher education and nonprofit services to come together and address real employment needs,” added Ruth Veloria, executive dean for University of Phoenix School of Business. “Connecting veterans who bring unique and valuable skills to the civilian workplace with leadership opportunities in this dynamic sector provides tremendous value for the organization and its employees.”
The Hilton Military Internship Program prepares participants to interview for a full-time position as a supervisor at one of many Hilton properties. Participants who enroll in the Hospitality Management Certificate program with University of Phoenix will be eligible for tuition reductions and will be taught by practitioner faculty with extensive hospitality experience, including University of Phoenix faculty who work for Hilton Worldwide.
Throughout the program, Goodwill will provide support for veterans and their spouses through its community of programs, including career counseling, résumé preparation, mock interviews, child care, financial education, transportation and translating military skills to civilian life.
“The cross-sector partnership between Goodwill, Hilton and the Apollo Education Group is a strong example of organizations leveraging their unique strengths to support our veterans and military families as they transition back to civilian life,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “The partnership will link on-the-job training, higher education and personal support to position veterans and their spouses for rewarding hospitality careers that offer upward mobility.”
To learn more about the program, visit www.phoenix.edu/vetleaders.
For more information about academic programs offered by University of Phoenix, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the programs and other important information, please visit: phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,250 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 700,000 rooms in 93 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, Canopy by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide,
www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide, and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with a presence in 14 other countries. Goodwill is one of America’s top 25 most inspiring companies (Forbes). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,000 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com®. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2013, more than 9.8 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill’s career services. Goodwill channels 83 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services.
To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.
About Apollo Education Group, Inc.
Apollo Education Group, Inc. is one of the world’s largest private education providers and has been in the education business since 1973. Through its subsidiaries: Apollo Global, College for Financial Planning, University of Phoenix, and Western International University, Apollo Education Group offers innovative and distinctive educational programs and services, online and on-campus, at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. Its educational programs and services are offered throughout the United States and in Europe, Australia, Latin America, Africa and Asia, as well as online throughout the world. For more information about Apollo Education Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, call (800) 990-APOL or visit the Company’s website at www.apollo.edu.
Media Contacts:
Apollo Education Group
Tanya Burden
303-570-0617
[email protected]
Goodwill Industries International
Lauren Lawson-Zilai
240-333-5266
[email protected]
Hilton Worldwide
Astrid Egerton-Vernon
703-883-5696
[email protected]
