Published: 09 September 2021
Twenty one job seekers are building essential hospitality skills and experience as part of a fast track course, which started on Monday (September 6).
The Geraldton Hospitality Job Connect runs until tomorrow (September 10) and builds on the Kimberley Hospitality Job Connect earlier this year.
The five-day course is giving participants a taster of work in the hospitality field with masterclasses and interactive activities jointly-led by WA Food Ambassador Chef Don Hancey and Cape Lodge’s Tony Howell.
Job seekers are completing the AHA Responsible Service of Alcohol certification, AHA COVID 19 Hygiene Training and accredited TAFE units as part of the free course, which is being delivered by Tourism WA in partnership with Central Regional TAFE.
Participants will also have the chance to connect with potential employers tomorrow, on the final day of the course, and hear about job opportunities.
Twenty one job seekers completed the Kimberley Hospitality Job Connect in Kununurra earlier this year, and a number of participants were offered roles at the Kimberley Moon Experience concert and in local businesses.
Tourism WA Acting Managing Director Derryn Belford said the extension of the initiative meant more regional hospitality businesses would benefit from a boost of well-trained future employees.
“The first Hospitality Job Connect in May this year received great feedback from participants and all involved, and led to a number of employment opportunities being filled by course participants,” she said.
“This second regional course, this time held in Geraldton, is widening the reach of the Hospitality Job Connect initiative and helping to upskill more job seekers across regional WA, in areas where attracting skilled workers has been a challenge for some businesses.
“This next iteration of the course is showcasing the area and includes information about Aboriginal food and culture.
“The cooking demonstrations also highlight local produce and the food specialities of the Mid West as part of the initiative.”
The Hospitality Job Connect course is just one of a number of Tourism WA initiatives to assist the tourism and hospitality industry to address workforce attraction issues.