Responding to business needs is part of Virginia Peninsula Community College’s mission and vision statements. One of the most recent examples is the College’s decision to offer classes in hospitality training beginning in spring 2026.
VPCC offered ChefsGo, a workforce development program that trained line cooks, from 2017 to 2019. It wasn’t offered in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic, returned for one year in 2022, and then was discontinued because of low enrollment.
“There’s been chatter up in Williamsburg, especially from people wanting us to resurrect that program, which really wasn’t possible because of financial considerations,” said Eddie Swain, Workforce Development’s director of Business, Information Technology and Health Sciences.
However, potential grant funding for hospitality programs has made this new one more fiscally sustainable. VPCC has applied for approval of those grant funds, which, when approved, will provide significant tuition assistance to most learners. In fact, Swain said it’s possible students could attend for free if they are eligible for scholarships and grants.
Swain said a College survey of businesses primarily located in Williamsburg showed the type of hospitality industry jobs in highest demand.
“We came up with this curriculum based on that survey. So, it’s basically a community need,” he said.
Beginning in March, the College will offer two classes under the Hospitality Training program, one in food service and the other in lodging. Students who successfully complete either one will earn multiple industry credentials, including Certified Hospitality Manager distinction from the American Hospitality and Lodging Education Association (AHLEI).
“They will be ready to be hired right away as a hospitality manager,” Swain said.
The food service track will run March 16-Aug. 24 from 6-9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The lodging track will run April 2-Aug. 24 from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All classes will be held at VPCC’s Historic Triangle Campus in Williamsburg. There is a maximum of 10 students for each program.
This new program differs slightly from ChefsGo in that internships aren’t part of the process.
“It’s all classroom,” Swain said.
For more information on either track, call 757-825-4070 or email WFDInq@vpcc.edu.