Post-COVID staffing crisis hitting home in Barossa and Clare valleys
Restaurateurs and wine makers say hospitality careers should be made more attractive in school, as a nationwide downturn hits the industry. See the local jobs.
Barossa, Clare & Gawler
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The Barossa and Clare valleys are in the midst of a hospitality crisis, with industry professionals and business owners saying it’s harder than ever to find workers.
It comes as the Adelaide Institute of Hospitality announces regional workshops with high schools in both Clare and the Barossa to address the growing staffing crisis in the sector.
Dan Moss, owner and chef of Terroir restaurant in Auburn, said the issue is occurring throughout the country, but is felt especially hard in regional areas, particularly since regional tourism has been at an almost all time high.
“There needs to be an attitude change, towards hospitality, a lot of people moved on from the industry over the COVID period, which leaves a substantial gap in the generational training process,” he said.
“Typically the difficulty in rural areas is attracting people to move here from the city, that’s even harder now with the booming housing market and lack of rentals available.”
“If you’re young and have a smile on your face and a good attitude, we’ll give you a go, I’ve never seen Clare this busy before honestly.”
Guy Parkinson, chef and co-owner of the recently opened Seed in Clare, echoed these concerns saying that hospitality offers a rich and rewarding career, and is moving past the negative stereotypes of old.
“In the past Dan and I had to go through the hard yards as an apprentice, because you always knew there was a line at the door to take your job, that just isn’t the case now and the industry is adapting,” he said.
Emma McCaskill is a celebrated South Australian chef and was appointed as the Schools Business Development Consultant for the new project working directly with schools in the region.
“COVID has clearly made an impact on this staffing situation, particularly with international workers who ordinarily make up a large proportion of the industry,” she said.
“A lot of school students can do school based apprenticeships for trades while they’re in year 12, we want that to be an option for students through hospitality, I don’t think it's sold very well as a career path.”
“The issue we’re facing is there is no connect between the industry and schools, we want to create a link, which is a win win for both employers and the communities who can keep young people in the region.
“Through these workshops students will meet people who have been successful in their careers in hospitality and had amazing opportunities.”
The Australian Institute of Hospitality will visit Clare Valley June 1 and the Barossa 29 June.
Online jobs portal Seek lists 65 hospitality jobs in the Clare and Yorke Peninsula, and Barossa and Adelaide Hills regions.
CLARE AND SURROUNDS:
- Sous Chef – Pikes
- Cellar Door Team Member – Claymore Wines
- Coffee Shop Assistant – Daily Grind Coffee on Main
- Bistro/Restaurant Supervisor – Seed
- Experiences Cook – Rising Sun Hotel
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