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Join us in making Maine’s Hospitality Industry Stronger.

Harold Alfond Center Logo

Join us in making Maine’s Hospitality Industry Stronger.

Looking for Training Programs?

Get the Training You Need in Hospitality

Jumpstart your hospitality career with free, short-term training programs from Maine’s community colleges. Through the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, we offer:

 

 

In partnership with HospitalityMaine, we help individuals and businesses thrive in one of Maine’s largest and most dynamic industries. Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your career, our free programs make it easy to take the next step.

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Free Online Hospitality Training Programs

Advance your skills and career with free online training tailored for Maine’s hospitality workforce. Earn badges to showcase your expertise and unlock new opportunities.

Hospitality Manager using a calculator

ONLINE PROGRAM | NO COST TO TRAINEES

New Hospitality Manager Training

Grow your hospitality career with our Hospitality Manager training program. Designed for professionals and businesses, this badge program provides essential management skills.

Explore Manager Training Programs

Program includes:

  • Foundations of Hospitality Management
  • Basics of Food Cost Controls
  • Basics of Labor Cost Controls

Server with drink tray

ONLINE PROGRAM | NO COST TO TRAINEES

Server Training

Stand out in the hospitality industry with expert-led server training. Learn about wine, beer, and spirits, to deliver top-tier service and master pairings, flavors, and etiquette.

Explore Server Training Programs

Program includes:

  • A Quick Guide to Wine
  • A Quick Guide to Beer
  • A Quick Guide to Spirits

Person on laptop

ONLINE PROGRAM | NO COST TO TRAINEES

Hospitality Marketing

Attract guests and build your brand with our hospitality marketing program. Perfect for business owners and professionals, these courses teach the skills needed to succeed in today’s digital-first world.

Start Learning Hospitality Marketing

Program includes:

  • Hospitality Marketing Basics
  • Marketing with your Website
  • Social Media Marketing

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ONLINE PROGRAM | 1 HOUR | NO COST TO TRAINEES

WelcomeME Hospitality Training

WelcomeME is a free online customer service program that strengthens Maine’s tourism industry. Learn how to create great experiences by understanding visitor needs and delivering quality service.

Start WelcomeME Training

Topics include:

  • Types of Maine visitors
  • What every Maine visitor values (great service, positive attitude, etc.)

This program is perfect for all hospitality students!

Free In-Person Training at Maine’s Community Colleges

Get hands-on experience with free, in-person training at community colleges across Maine. Gain practical skills and real-world knowledge to succeed in hospitality.

 

Choose a College to Explore Trainings:

  • Culinary Bootcamp

View Training Options at CMCC

  • Culinary Bootcamp

View Training Options at EMCC

  • Culinary Bootcamp
  • ServSafe

View Training Options at NMCC

  • Welcome ME

View Training Options at SMCC

  • Raft Guide
  • Welcome ME

View Training Options at WCCC

  • Hospitality Marketing Badge
  • Culinary Bootcamp
  • Front of House Workshop
  • New Cook Bootcamp
  • New Hospitality Manager Badge
  • ServSafe

View Training Options at YCCC

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Alfond Center Scholarships for Hospitality Programs

 

Advance your hospitality career with certificate and degree programs at Maine’s community colleges—now more affordable with Alfond Center Scholarships.

Working Mainers can receive 50% off tuition while pursuing programs part-time in fields like culinary arts, hotel management, and event planning. Designed for flexibility, our programs help you gain the skills needed to succeed in Maine’s growing hospitality sector.

 

 

For Employers: Double Your Training Budget

The Maine Workforce Development Compact

Join the Maine Workforce Development Compact—a free resource from Maine’s community colleges and the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce.

As a compact member, you can receive up to $1,200 per employee in matching funds for training and professional development. Join over 1,700 Maine employers who utilize this program to strengthen their teams. Applying takes just two minutes.

Training is completely employer-driven. Qualified training and professional development can take place at Maine's community colleges, through an in-house training, or with a third-party training vendor of your choice.

Join the Compact
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HospitalityMaine Partnership & Training Programs

We’re proud to partner with HospitalityMaine, the trusted voice of Maine’s lodging, restaurant, and hospitality industry. Together, we’re building a stronger workforce with training programs tailored to industry needs.

 

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ServSafe: General Safety Training

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ServSuccess: Restaurant Training

ONLINE PROGRAM

ServSuccess: Restaurant Training

  • Restaurant Professional
  • Restaurant Supervisor
  • Restaurant Manager

 

Explore ServSuccess: Restaurant Training
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Lodging Training

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Other Professional Certificates & Apprenticeships

Other Professional Certificates & Apprenticeships

 

Expand your skill set with specialized certifications or advance your career with our Apprenticeship Program. Take the next step to elevate your career in hospitality with our training programs designed to meet the industry’s evolving needs.

Join us in making Maine’s Hospitality Industry Stronger

Join us in making Maine’s hospitality industry stronger and more vibrant. If you’re an employer seeking to develop your workforce, the Harold Alfond Center is here to support you every step of the way.

Connect with our Hospitality Workforce Development Coordinator

 

The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce coordinates all short-term workforce training programs for Maine’s community colleges, working closely with business and industry leaders statewide. Launched in 2021, the Alfond Center served over 26,000 Mainers in thirty months. A new, historic gift of $75.5 million from the Harold Alfond Foundation in June 2024 will enable the Center to train an additional 70,505 Mainers by 2030, significantly impacting Maine’s workforce and economy through strategic private and public partnerships.