A new partnership between Laredo College and the City of Laredo Economic Development Department will bring expanded opportunities to the city’s growing hospitality sector.
Laredo College’s new Hospitality Certificate Program was inspired by the rising demand for skilled professionals in hotel, restaurant and customer service industries. As Laredo continues to attract new businesses, the program will help fuel economic growth by developing a trained workforce that supports hospitality and tourism investments.
“We are proud to launch the new Hospitality Certificate Program made possible with the support of the City of Laredo Economic Development Department,” LC Continuing Education Director Brenda Martinez said. “This initiative will open doors for individuals seeking to gain valuable skills and certifications in hotel and restaurant operations, while also strengthening our local workforce. By preparing participants for in-demand careers, we are not only supporting economic growth in our community but also creating new opportunities for individuals and families to thrive in the hospitality industry.”
“For the past four years, our partnership with Laredo College has helped strengthen workforce training across multiple industries,” City of Laredo Economic Development Director Miriam Castillo said. “With the addition of the Hospitality Certificate Program, we are responding to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the restaurant, hotel and entertainment industries. This addition ensures that local talent is prepared for opportunities, strengthening both our businesses and our community.”
Beginning Sept. 16, the 10-week program offers training in key areas including hospitality and restaurant management, hospitality HR and supervision, customer service and food manager certification.
Designed to build confidence and strengthen professional skills, the program is open to those starting out or looking to advance in hotel and restaurant operations. Faculty members bring academic expertise and real-world experience, ensuring participants gain both technical knowledge and practical insights.
Structured around core and elective topics, each with an exam, students will earn a certificate for every exam passed. Upon completing the required coursework, they are eligible to receive the Restaurant Management Professional credential.
Participants will also develop skills in leadership, operations, human resources and guest services, qualities highly sought by employers in the hospitality industry.
The Laredo Public Health Department will expand outreach efforts to ensure the community is aware of training opportunities. By combining workforce development with health standards, this collaboration supports the initiative of meeting industry needs while promoting the well-being of our community.
“By helping residents earn credentials, we support individual success and the long-term health of our workforce,” City of Laredo Executive Director of Health & Director of Public Health Dr. Richard Chamberlain said.
Scholarships are available for eligible applicants who are 18 or older and were impacted by COVID-19, including those laid off, furloughed or underemployed during the pandemic. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis once eligibility is verified.
For additional information regarding the program and scholarship opportunities, contact the Laredo College Continuing Education Department at
CE_Staff@laredo.edu or (956) 721-5374 or City of Laredo Economic Development Administration at
alozano1@ci.laredo.tx.us or (956) 791-7397.
