Gregg Fraser, HRA Executive Director
The foodservice industry in Hawaii has been struggling for some time with recruitment and staff retention. There is a huge need for more programs that increase the number of qualified candidates that apply for restaurant jobs. Plus, preparing the current, as well as future employees, to succeed in the position that they are hired for. The National Restaurant Association, in addition to all of the State Restaurant Associations, have an on-going training program for future foodservice employees. The program is called ProStart, a High School level Culinary and Management training program that was created by industry leaders, in order to perpetuate the industry. The Hawaii Restaurant Association is on the threshold of forming its Educational Foundation that will oversee and promote the ProStart Program in Hawaii. We will be working with a number of high schools to deliver a consistence curriculum that will allow our high school graduates to either enter the job market right out of high school or go on to continue education with local Culinary and/or Hospitality Educational Programs.
The goal is to educate and grow the number of future foodservice leaders in Hawaii. This is our opportunity to discover and retain new talent for our great state. In addition, to entice students from other state programs to come to work in Hawaii through the ProStart program. There are many exciting opportunities for co-branded scholarships and sponsorships for the future decision makers. The Hawaii Restaurant Association will be hosting annual student competitions on a local level with finalists moving on to the National Invitational Competition. The hope is to host the event one year here in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Restaurant Association is in support of the entire foodservice industry in Hawaii. Visit us at www.hawaiirestaurant.org and see benefits of becoming a member.
Our Educational Committee is continuing to create new benefits for our members. Contact us for more information about programs like ProStart and the Educational Foundation.
Mahalo for your continued support!
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