Free training to tackle staff shortage in hospitality industry
Free training in everything from becoming a barista to cooking will be made available to plug a critical staff shortage in the hospitality sector.
NSW
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Free training in everything from becoming a barista to cooking will be made available as the NSW government moves to plug a critical staff shortage in the hospitality sector.
Premier Dominic Perrottet will today unveil around 3000 free training places across 29 different courses at TAFE NSW and other registered training providers, including safe food handling and the responsible service of alcohol (RSA).
Mr Perrottet said the move was designed to attract more workers to hospitality venues at what was a critical time in the sector’s recovery from the pandemic.
“People from all over the state are lining up to get into pubs and clubs, and we want to support those businesses with enthusiastic and skilled staff,” he said.
“We know businesses are struggling without the international workforce they depended on pre-lockdown. That’s why opportunities like this are so valuable, filling labour gaps and giving jobseekers the opportunity of a bright future in hospitality.”
The courses will target trainees such as school-leavers who may want hospitality skills to gain a job in a sector as they put themselves through university.
Skills Minister Geoff Lee said the sector had been calling out for help to staff venues.
“This training not only helps businesses staff venues, but it also opens up career opportunities for people looking to make their start in the once again booming hospitality industry,” he said.
“There are great career pathways in hospitality — today’s bartender or wait staff can become tomorrow’s pub, bar or restaurant owner.”
Australian Hotels Association Chief Executive John Whelan said the training had come at the right time as pubs and restaurants dialled up business.
“The NSW government is to be congratulated,” he said.
“This comprehensive program provides the skills to build a new era of hospitality — both school-leavers and those looking for a career change.”
Year 12 school leaver Vanessa Raptis recently attained her RSA certificate so that she could work in a bar to support herself financially while she studied radiography.
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