Missouri Department of Corrections and Missouri Governor’s Mansion Launch Certified Apprenticeship Program in Hospitality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 7, 2026

Contact: Karen Pojmann, Communications Director
Missouri Department of Corrections
Karen.Pojmann@doc.mo.gov
573-522-1118

Missouri Department of Corrections and Missouri Governor’s Mansion Launch Certified Apprenticeship Program in Hospitality

 

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI – Missouri Governor’s Mansion trustees from Algoa Correctional Center (ACC) soon will be able to claim the title chef de partie.

Today, Missouri state leaders kicked off a new U.S. Department of Labor-certified hospitality apprenticeship at the Mansion, welcoming the first four students into the rigorous inaugural training program.

The Missouri Department of Corrections long has cultivated a partnership wherein ACC residents with work-release qualifications hold paid positions in the Mansion, working in hospitality roles while also earning ServSafe certification through the National Restaurant Association.

Now, for the first time, incarcerated mansion workers can complete a hotel and restaurant cook certified apprenticeship program developed with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

“This apprenticeship is especially meaningful because it allows incarcerated individuals to learn in a professional environment where service, attention to detail, teamwork, dependability and professionalism are all essential,” said Missouri Department of Corrections Acting Director Valarie Moseley. “There’s no better place to provide an elevated hospitality apprenticeship than at the Governor’s Mansion.”

“Claudia and I were proud to join today’s event and recognize the first class of Mansion hospitality apprentices,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We appreciate the incredible team at the Mansion for championing this program and working hand in hand with our state agencies to bring these opportunities to the trustees from Algoa Correctional Center. The Missouri Governor’s Mansion is truly the People’s House, and we look forward to seeing this apprenticeship help incarcerated individuals gain valuable employment skills that will support their success upon re-entry.”

The new 2,000-hour program is a two-year commitment, during which apprentices master the ins and outs of food preparation, menu planning, event setup, serving and other areas of hospitality through classroom instruction and hands-on learning. Along with the ServSafe certification, each participant will graduate with ProStart Certification and a Department of Labor Apprenticeship — plus the skills and experience they need to successfully launch a post-incarceration career.

Currently 56 apprenticeships are available to people incarcerated in Missouri state prisons. Other apprenticeships recently introduced at Algoa Correctional Center include barbering and tattooing.

 

###

 

 

• Missouri Department of Corrections Acting Director Valarie Moseley expresses appreciation for the Governor's Mansion partnership and the new hospitality certified apprenticeship program.jpg
• Missouri Department of Corrections Acting Director Valarie Moseley kicks off a new hospitality certified apprenticeship program at the Missouri Governor's Mansion..jpg
• Governor Mike Kehoe addresses Missouri Department of Corrections representatives and Mansion trustees from Algoa Correctional Center..jpg
• Governor Mike Kehoe talks with Mansion trustees, four of whom are embarking on a two-year, 2,000-hour apprenticeship program in hospitality..jpg
• Residents of Algoa Correctional Center who work in the Missouri Governor's Mansion are embarking on a new U.S. Department of Labor-certified apprenticeship progam in hospitality..jpg
• Governor's Mansion Director Shari Childs, Governor's Mansion Assistant Ellanie Jamison, Algoa Correctional Center Case Manager Chloe Hill and Governor's Mansion Kitchen Manager Erica Hansbrough.jpg