Below is a resource guide of programs designed to enhance and grow the workforce in Napa Valley. Each program is a unique opportunity for businesses, of all kinds, to engage in shaping the future of our economy. 

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You will also find resources for professional development within the hospitality sector and resources for employers looking to find employees.

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Student Programs

Resorting to Opportunity - ON HOLD

Resorting to Opportunity is a Summer Mentor Program inclusive of all students including those with special needs and those considered at risk. RTO is a partnership between NVUSD and local Hospitality Resorts. Students spend eight weeks in a rotation between four key departments at a participating hotel learning the day to day operations of each area. Students are grouped into teams. Each team of students will have a mentor for the rotation who is an expert in the field and is available to answer questions as needed. The mentor will provide insight on the career trajectory of the positions the students are observing. This is designed for students to experience entry level career options at some of the top resorts in Napa Valley.

Time of Year: Summer

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Contact Information:
Amber Cleveland – Work Based Learning Coordinator – NVUSD
707-253-6286
amber_cleveland@nvusd.org

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Stephanie Solberg – Coordinator Mild/Moderate Secondary Special Education – NVUSD
707-253-6286
ssolberg@nvusd.org

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Hospitality Testimonial Contact: Tami Pacho – Area Director of Human Resources
Meritage Resort and Spa | Vista Collina Resort | Trinitas Cellars | Vino Bello Resort
707-251-191
tpacho@meritageresort.com

Internship Program

Offered to high school juniors and seniors attending school in Napa Valley Unified School District. Internships are 5 – 8 hours/week for a period of 8 -12 consecutive weeks. Students receive five elective graduation credits, letter of recommendation, mentorship of subject matter and relevant experience to build their resumes.

Time of year: Year Round

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Website:
https://www.nvusd.k12.ca.us/

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Contact Information:
Amber Cleveland – Career Readiness Supervisor – NVUSD
707-253-8257
amber_cleveland@nvusd.org

Workforce Readiness Certificate

The Work Readiness Certificate is a three week after school program offered to high school students. Students learn what it means to apply for a job, interview for a job and be ready to join the workforce. At the end of the three-week program students participate in mock interviews with businesses leaders from the community and are given feedback on their performance.

Time of year: Fall and Spring

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Contact Information:
Gillie Miller – NCOE College & Career Readiness
707-253-6831
gmiller@napacoe.org

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Angela Higdon – NCOE College & Career Readiness
707-253-6939
ahigdon@napacoe.org

Inspire Napa: Dreams Start Now - ON HOLD

This unique career initiative will reach more than 1,000 Napa Valley Unified, St. Helena and Calistoga Joint Unified School District 8th grade students. The mission of Inspire Napa is to motivate children to find their passion and pursue their occupational dreams within their own community. Hands-on activities will captivate students’ attention and allow them time for interaction with business representatives. This interactive career fair will provide 8th graders with the ability to explore career interests and make contacts within the local business community, leading to future mentoring, apprenticeships, internships, and employment.

Time of year: 1 Day, Spring

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Website:
https://tinyurl.com/inspirenapa2019

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Contact Information:
Gillie Miller – NCOE College & Career Readiness
707-253-6831
gmiller@napacoe.org

Napa Learns Virtual Academy  

In the wake of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, students’ lives have been turned upside down. They are increasingly concerned about their futures and are considering alternative education paths that can provide them with the training and support they need to expedite their entry into the workforce or to give them a leg up as they pursue college.

The NapaLearns Virtual Career Academy delivers the coursework, instructors, mentorship, and access to the software and labs needed to earn one or more entry-level certifications in their chosen area of study. In addition, test prep will be provided and exam fees are covered.

This program is open to adults as well as high school students

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Website:

http://www.napalearns.org/vca/

Time of year: Fall, Spring, Summer

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Contact Information
Michele Dahlberg 

Director of Career Readiness Programs, NapaLearns

707-265-2712

michele@napalearns.org

Hospitality, Culinary, Tourism Management

Hospitality courses that provide a solid base of world-class customer service training and  supervisory skills in industry-specific topics. Culinary classes that teach both foundational and advanced skills for today's professional culinary operation. The classes are tailored to meet the individual needs of enrolled students while teaching the latest trends in the hospitality-culinary industry. 

Time of year: Year Round

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Contact Information:
Elena F. Sirignano – Program Coordinator – Napa Valley College
707-302-2458
Elena.Sirignano@napavalley.edu

Specialized Vocational Services

Napa Valley Unified School District's Specialized Vocational Services is funded by State and Federal funds (WorkAbility and TPP) to provide services to high school students with IEPs or 504 plans. Our staff of three specialists provide services by providing instruction to comprehensive high schools, alternative high schools, post-secondary classrooms, and assisting students by locating work-based learning opportunities.

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Time of Year: School Year

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Contact Information:

Gregory Meza
707-253-3848

NEXT Napa - ON HOLD

NEXT provides the unique opportunity for Napa County middle and high school teachers to immerse themselves into some of the Valley’s most vital industries and professions. The goal is to equip teachers with authentic experiences that bring real-world, career-based learning opportunities into their classrooms and inspire the future workforce of the Napa Valley.

Time of year: Summer

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Website:
https://www.nextnapa.org/

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Contact Information:
Angela Higdon – NCOE College & Career Readiness
707-253-6939
ahigdon@napacoe.org

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Mario Piombo, Director of Innovation – NapaLearns
707-265-2712
mario@napalearns.org

Adult Programs

As a publicly funded job center CareerPoint NAPA helps businesses promote and market their open positions, plan recruiting events, screen candidates, access wage subsidy programs, and more. The Hospitality Industry Partnership aka Napa HIP has worked with CareerPoint to host the Napa Hospitality Expo and expects to see over 500 local job seekers at their 3rd annual event on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

Time of year: On Going

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Website:
http://careerpointnorthbay.org

Contact Information:

Kristin Miller – CareerPoint
707-299-1768
Kristin@CareerPointNorthBay.org

Napa Valley Adult School

NAPA VALLEY ADULT EDUCATION MISSION We serve our community by educating and supporting adult learners to advance in their education and careers.

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Time of Year: On Going

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Website:

https://www.adulted.nvusd.k12.ca.us/

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The Salvation Army: Culinary Training Academy

Napa Valley Cooking School

Napa Valley Cooking School’s teaching kitchen at the St Helena Campus is currently undergoing renovation, including the installation of updated appliances. We have a projected reopening set for the 2021 Fall semester. For those who would like to begin their Culinary training now, classes will be offered in the 2021 Spring and Summer semesters at Napa Valley College’s Main Campus in Napa to help you prepare for the Advanced classes in the Fall. Additionally, we offer classes that specialize in Hospitality Management. Classes that offer the opportunity for certificates of compilation and Associates Degrees. Students are offered 2 pathways of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts.

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Time of Year: All Year

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Website:

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Contact Information

Admissions to Napa Valley College

or

707-256-7201

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