Orlando, FL – NUC University Florida Technical College (NUC FTC) is proud to announce The Boathouse Orlando, located at Disney Springs and operated by Gibsons Restaurant Group, as the recipient of the 2024 Hospitality Partner of the Year Award. Thi recognition honors companies that go above and beyond in supporting education and workforce development in Florida’s thriving hospitality sector.
The Boathouse Orlando, known for its award-winning menu, offers students at NUC FTC a real-world look at the culinary and hospitality industries in action.
“We are truly honored to be named the 2024 Hospitality Partner of the Year. Giving culinary students internship opportunities is something we care deeply about. It is a chance to support the future of our industry and help emerging talent grow,” said Executive Chef Brad Warner. “We are proud to be part of their journey and will keep doing our best to provide meaningful experiences that inspire and prepare them for success.”
The award was presented by Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of NUC University Florida Technical College, and MaryAnn Sewell, NUC FTC Vice President of Strategic Business Development & Career Services at FTC, in Orlando.
“We are proud to honor The Boathouse Orlando for their outstanding commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals,” said Dr. Burkett. “Through their mentorship, hands-on training, and real-time learning experiences, they are helping our students turn their passion into purpose.”
NUC FTC’s Culinary Arts programs – offered in both English and Spanish – prepare students for careers in Florida’s tourism and hospitality industries by combining classroom instruction with immersive industry partnerships. The Boathouse has played a vital role in offering students externships and training opportunities that mirror the high standards of today’s hospitality leaders.
MaryAnn Sewell added: “This award reflects the strong connection between employers and educators. The Boathouse has become an extension of our classrooms – offering students a chance to apply their knowledge, build confidence, and step into the workforce prepared and inspired.”
As Florida’s hospitality industry continues to grow, NUC FTC remains focused on workforce development by preparing students with the practical skills and training needed to meet industry demands.
About NUC University Florida Technical College
NUC University (NUC) is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) www.msche.org. NUC’s NUC University – IBC Technical Division (NUC-IBC), NUC University – Florida Technical College (NUC-FTC), The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School), and Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) are included in this accreditation. NUC’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on 2019 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.
NUC has four additional academic units: NUC University – IBC Technical Division (NUC-IBC), NUC University – Florida Technical College (NUC-FTC), The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School (The DAVE School); and Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA). Information about NUC, NUC-IBC, NUC-FTC, The DAVE School, and HAA is available at https://nuc.edu/, http://tecnicos.nuc.edu/, https://ftccollege.edu/, http://dave.nuc.edu, and https://flyhaa.com
NUC FTC offers diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology and Business. NUC-FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus.
