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INCAP x Hospitality Indiana

Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway

Building a Skilled Workforce for Tomorrow

An overview of INCAP's mission to combine classroom education with on-the-job training to prepare Hoosiers for hospitality careers.

Changing the Course of Hoosier Futures Together

Backed by research from iLab Indiana and the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, INCAP is part of a larger movement to rethink high school—making it more relevant, career-connected, and student-centered.

What is INCAP?

The Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) is a bold, statewide initiative that is employer-led, allowing employers to define what skills students or adults need for in-demand jobs. High-school students will participate in apprenticeships while they’re still in school and prepare them for both workforce or a continuing education. INCAP is designed to offer real career pathways that bridge classroom learning and in-demand jobs.

The Role of HI as Industry Talent Association (ITA)

Identifying high-demand roles in construction

Built with hospitality leaders, for hospitality careers

Developing standardized, statewide programs.

Industry recognized certifications aligned with school goals.
Supporting industry employers in INCAP implementations

Designed to meet industry-specific needs across Indiana

The Role: Hospitality Operations Specialist

The Hospitality Operations Specialist works across the functional areas of a hospitality business — guest services, food and beverage, housekeeping or facilities, events, and back-office administration — with primary deployment in roles involving direct guest contact. The role exists wherever hospitality happens: lodging properties, restaurants, event and convention centers, attractions and entertainment venues, travel centers, and hospitality retail. The specialist represents the operation's brand and service philosophy, delivering accurate, professional, and personable guest assistance while supporting the sales, marketing, administrative, and compliance functions that keep the operation running.

The Hospitality Operations Specialist communicates clearly and professionally, applies working knowledge of hospitality technology including property management, point-of-sale, reservation, and guest relationship systems, and is attentive to cultural, dietary, and accessibility considerations across a diverse guest population. The role carries real compliance responsibility — food safety, workplace safety, guest data protection, and where applicable alcohol service — and the two-year apprenticeship is structured so that the apprentice is trained and certified before performing regulated tasks. The occupation is deliberately defined by competency rather than by venue: an apprentice completing the program in a restaurant and one completing it in a hotel or an event center demonstrate the same four competency themes in different operational contexts.

Employers: Let’s Get Connected!

Through ITAs, employers like you will have the opportunity to define the skills and knowledge students need to fill in-demand jobs. This ensures students are ready to advance in the workforce, and you have access to well-prepared talent. Employer engagement is critical, as their input will determine what students learn in INCAP programs.
ITAs support employers by:
  • Identifying in-demand occupations in our industry.
  • Designing education and training that meets our industry standards.
  • Providing materials to guide students' on-the-job training.
  • Equipping on-the-job supervisors with relevant training and resources.

Be part of the solution, shape the future, and grow the skilled workforce your business and our state need to thrive.

Interest Form

Have questions? Contact Amber Kincaid, Program Manager