State of the Workforce
Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties

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Hospitality

Key Factors

The regional hospitality sector is dominated by the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone complex, which employs about 4,000 people in its casino, hotel, golf courses and other hospitality ventures.

Tourism and the hospitality sector have an extremely diverse workforce. Tourism encompasses an enormous range of different skills and occupations, although most provide either direct service to a customer or are administrative support roles to those who provide direct service. This sector is often characterized by young entry-level workers who may begin as summer help before shifting to a full-time career after high school or college. Workers in these occupations have traditionally learned their skills on the job in areas such as housekeeping, building operation and maintenance, or food preparation. Traditionally, post-secondary education has not been required for most entry-level positions, although a high school diploma is often required by larger employers. Individuals who enter this area with career ambitions require specialized skills that include management training, information technology capabilities and extremely strong customer service/hospitality skills. Careers in fields such as lodging, food service, resort, convention and facilities management are increasing as the sector expands, although training programs in this area are generally limited, as are degree offerings.

Policy Actions

Oneida County Workforce Development has begun to work with youth in both areas through targeted Summer Youth Employment programs that will teach tourism/heritage and also food safety. The Workforce Investment Board is also working with dislocated workers to identify skills that can allow for a fast assessment of skills and then a transition into the higher-end positions within the growing industry.

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