Once again, the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island has partnered with the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center for their hiring needs. The Five Star hotel located in the Straits of Mackinaw between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, has extended employment offers to 12 Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center students. This is the fourth year that the hotel has partnered with the center, providing graduates with various jobs around the hotel and allowing them to gain valuable experience.

Security students, Ashley Ash from Benton Harbor, Michigan and Vernell Birks of Saginaw, Michigan are looking forward to new opportunities and potential growth within the company. “This is something that many don’t get the chance to do” said Vernell.

According to the Grand Hotel’s website, it first opened its doors in the spring of1887 and has more than 130,000 overnight guests each season. The kitchen alone staffs more than 100 people, serving as many as 4,000 meals a day. Transportation on the island is provided by foot, bicycle, or horse and carriage. The island itself is accessible only by boat or plane.

“I am excited for this opportunity and the doors that it may open,” states Security graduate Charisma Anderson who accepted a position with the hotel. “Job Corps has given me the skills and knowledge I need to be more employable. I am looking forward to this new experience! ”

The students will begin working at the hotel on April 30th and will continue though the busy summer months when tourism is highest on the island. Afterwards they will be given the option to transfer to another hotel location to continue their opportunity with the company.

“I think that this is honestly a great experience for the students, and something that is going to last a life time” said Ana Jose, Career Development Specialist at the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center. “With the Grand Hotel opening their doors to our students, it creates opportunities for them to possibly grow with in the company and gain real world experience.”

Gerald R. Ford Job Corps students who were hired by the Grand Hotel