Prescott restaurateur launches free college tuition program to attract employees

Vivili hotel group, Prescott’s largest catering group, partners with Yavapai College to offer employees free college tuition in an effort to encourage new and existing employees amid a nationwide hiring crisis that has plagued the restaurant industry since the pandemic.

While operating restrictions on restaurants throughout the pandemic continue to be lifted, staff shortages have prevented many establishments from meeting demand from patrons looking to return to eat in person. With service worker positions difficult to fill, Vivili turns to students to recruit staff for her five Prescott restaurants, including County seat, La Planchada, The barley dog, Pizzeria Rosa and Taco Don’s by committing to pay their tuition fees.

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The Vivili College program launches today and is available at Yavapai College with registration for the fall semester currently open. All Vivili employees are entitled to free tuition fees after 90 days of employment and work an average of 32 hours per week. With fall first term courses starting August 16, new staff must be hired by May 22 to be eligible and those registering for the fall second term starting October 11 must begin employment on October 17. July. 12 credit hours per semester and obtain a passing grade of C or better to receive reimbursement.

“Attracting and retaining the best talent is a top priority for Vivili and creating this program with Yavapai College allows us to do so, while contributing to the community by funding the education of people looking to advance in their careers.” , said Skyler Reeves, owner of Vivili. “Given this is a difficult hiring period for the service industry across the country, our vision for this program is to find a creative way to alleviate this industry-wide problem. . “

Yavapai College welcomes students from northern Arizona – its main campus is in Prescott with additional locations in Clarkdale, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Sedona. Students participating in the Vivili College program are able to select any major or path without restrictions and there are no stipulations requiring employment beyond graduation, allowing graduates to immediately pursue a career. aligned with their diplomas.

“This type of workforce training model is essential for students to enable them to work and attend school simultaneously,” said Dr Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College. “We are more than delighted to partner with Vivili Hospitality Group and applaud their efforts to provide training to as many of their employees as possible.

To learn more about Vivili Hospitality Group or to apply to join the team, visit ViviliGroup.com. To learn more about Yavapai College and its degree programs, visit yc.edu or call (928) 717-7777 and ask Ashley Harlan or Jeremy Poehnert to register.