WHAT IS HI-DEMAND?
The HI-DEMAND program (also known as VESOL - Vocational English to Speakers of Other Languages) started in 2004 with a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The HI-DEMAND program addresses the employment needs of Las Vegas' growing immigrant population as well as the hospitality industry's need for skilled workers. Recognizing the fact that many immigrants have limited English proficiency, HI-DEMAND provides the education necessary for employment and career advancement by offering vocational English courses to job seekers and incumbent workers.

Since its inception, the HI-DEMAND program has trained more than 2,500 immigrant workers. Graduates from our employability VESOL classes account for approximately 40% of CTA enrollment, and approximately 80% of those graduates receive employment within the hospitality industry. We have held English and Spanish classes at over 15 Las Vegas properties and have participated in designing customized training pieces for cafes, buffets, and housekeeping departments.

Here are some individuals who have benefited from the HI-DEMAND program:

Yordanka Bellido

Yordanka came to a job fair at the CTA in April of 2007 and had been in the United States for less than two years.  Although she had never worked in her home country, she briefly worked as a GRA at a small hotel in America. She felt she needed to improve her skills. She explained that the CTA helped her gain the experience required for major Las Vegas properties. She felt that she especially benefited from the English classes, which included a customized customer service piece designed to increase confidence in guest interactions. Yordanka is now working at the Mandalay Bay as a GRA.

Elvia Espinoza
Elvia Espinoza took our Vocational English class at the Las Vegas Hilton. At the time, she was working as a GRA but wanted to move to a higher position in her hotel.   She said that the class gave her the confidence to use English with her guests, co-workers, and supervisors. After graduating from the class, she secured her promotion. She is now working as a Housekeeping Inspector as the Las Vegas Hilton, a position which requires her to speak English on a regular basis.

Wu Zhiwen 
Wu Zhiwen came to CTA in August of 2006. He had recently arrived from China and was looking for work. He passed Employability and House Person training with flying colors, and quickly secured employment at Caesars Palace as a House Person in the housekeeping department. He registered for English classes at the local college and was recruited as a Butler in February.  Eager to improve and grow, Wu Zhiwen recently registered for the level I VESOL class offered at Caesars Palace. His positive attitude, confidence, and growing language skills have impressed his instructors, supervisors, and managers. He acknowledges the CTA helped him get to his current position, and he regularly refers friends and family to training.

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