Hospitality NT boss Alex Bruce hopeful scheme could relieve skills shortage

THE Territory hospitality industry is expected to capitalise on the Prime Minister’s new apprentice wage subsidy scheme

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THE Territory hospitality industry is expected to capitalise on the Prime Minister’s new $1.2bn apprentice wage subsidy scheme, with more than half of businesses looking to recruit new staff in the coming months.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce hopes the subsidy will help address a skills shortage facing their industry, especially with cooks and chefs, amplified by the absence of international workers.

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Mr Bruce said about 60 per cent of hospitality employers would be looking to fill gaps in their workforce and recruit staff in the coming months, according to a recent industry survey.

“Hospitality has traditionally been large users of skilled international workers,” he said.

“And with the national borders still closed, all measures that help get skilled Territorians and interstate workers into our industry are welcomed.”

Twins Madison and Georgia Everett are both apprentice chefs at Berry Springs Tavern. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

Twins Madison and Georgia Everett, 19, both started as apprentice chefs at Berry Springs Tavern this year and said they would love to see more young Territorians like themselves get a start in the industry.

It comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would subsidise half the wages of up to 100,000 new apprentices to kickstart the economic recovery. From Monday, any business taking on a new apprentice will be eligible for a 50 per cent wage subsidy for their trainees until September next year as part of the $1.2bn scheme.

MasterBuilders NT chief executive David Malone said construction work was quiet in the Territory at the moment and employers would need to see some assurances that things would pick up before taking on any new apprentices or trainees.

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“This scheme is a step in the right direction, but the issue is employers will only bring on new apprentice builders, tradies and sparkies if you’ve got enough work on,” he said.

“Businesses need more confidence that the economy will keep going in the right ­direction.

“That’s why all our eyes will be on the budget on Tuesday. Hopefully, there’s something to stimulate more construction projects.”