Visit Baltimore and Guinness Open Gate Brewery Launch Diversity Apprenticeship Program

(Baltimore, MD – Dec. 10, 2020) – Visit Baltimore, the official destination sales and marketing organization for Baltimore, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Guinness Open Gate Brewery that will allow the organization’s Education and Training Foundation to reinvigorate its Diversity Apprenticeship Program. As part of its Guinness Gives Back Baltimore Fund, the brewery will fully fund and participate in the program for the next five years, resulting in at least 10 hospitality career pathways for traditionally underrepresented populations. 

The program has been reimagined to promote career interest in the hospitality and craft beer industries among minority students, with a focus on introducing paths at the management level. The 600-hour paid apprenticeship guarantees employment upon completion by Visit Baltimore or a partner organization with the support of Searchwide Global, a full-service executive recruitment firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, association, and venue management industries. The apprentices will shadow at Visit Baltimore, Guinness Open Gate Brewery and another local tourism entity in a three-part immersive learning experience. The program actively targets applicants from the Greater Baltimore region who identify as BIPOC or with another underrepresented minority group. Applications are officially open; eligible candidates must be 21 years of age or older.  

“Visit Baltimore is humbled by Guinness Open Gate Brewery’s investment in our Diversity Apprenticeship Program,” said Visit Baltimore President & CEO Al Hutchinson. “Due to the financial impacts of COVID-19, we would not be able to reinvigorate this important program without Guinness’ generous support. The partnership will allow us to provide professional growth opportunities to local persons of color and individuals from communities that have historically been underrepresented in the travel and tourism industry. The program will offer unparalleled on-the-job experience working with a destination marketing organization and a global brand. We’re looking forward to officially kicking off this program in 2021.”  

The Diversity Apprenticeship Program is just part of the organization’s efforts to broaden its diversity marketing initiatives. Visit Baltimore is currently offering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion trainings for Baltimore tourism and hospitality leaders through the end of the year. Earlier this year, the organization unveiled its BoP pass, which unlocks exclusive deals and discounts to museums and attractions that celebrate Baltimore’s deep African American history and heritage. Additionally, Visit Baltimore’s Diversity & Inclusion subcommittee, which was created to represent Baltimore’s richly diverse neighborhoods and communities, was elevated to a board committee in Fall 2019

About Visit Baltimore 

Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing arm for the City of Baltimore. The 501(c)(6) organization generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. In 2019, spending by travelers totaled $6 billion in direct spending throughout the city, supporting 86,827 total jobs and generating $750 million in state and city tax revenues. For more information, please visit Baltimore.org.  

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Photo courtesy of Guinness Open Gate Brewery