As Oregon’s visitor economy continues to grow, cultivating a local workforce that understands and values the industry is more important than ever. That’s why we’re excited to share a promising new workforce development model from the Tillamook Coast.
With support from local partners, Nestucca High School recently completed its first-ever Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality course—a hands-on pilot program that brought the local visitor economy into the classroom and gave students direct exposure to the diverse careers that shape Tillamook County’s tourism sector.
The 12-week class, developed in collaboration with the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA), introduced students to a variety of industry paths through a series of in-class sessions and immersive field experiences led by tourism professionals. From restaurant operations and travel writing to aviation history and conservation, the course helped students see the full spectrum of work that supports Oregon’s visitor economy.
OCVA board member Jeremy Strober, who also serves as Career & Technical Education Coordinator at Nestucca, played a key role in launching the program. “The Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism class changes the way students learn,” Strober said. “It connects students and teachers to industry partners and provides exposure to the depths of an industry that is connected to so many things in our county.”
The program is a strong example of how Oregon’s destination management organizations can partner with schools and community leaders to grow a skilled, locally connected tourism workforce—starting right in the classroom.
Plans are already underway to expand the class to other high schools in the region. For more information, contact TCVA’s Dan Haag at dan@tillamookcoast.com.