Published: 30 November 2021
Tourism WA’s Hospitality Job Connect course is continuing to the regions this week, with 22 job seekers signed up to the Margaret River program, and a further 26 in Albany.
The free initiative brings together job seekers and potential employers and is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA, in partnership with local TAFE providers.
It follows a Hospitality Job Connect course in Broome last week (November 22 to 26) and a half-day Student Job Connect on November 23.
During the five-day fast track course, job seekers will complete customer service training, learn barista skills as well as complete TAFE accredited units, Responsible Service of Alcohol certification and Australian Hotels Association (AHA) COVID-19 hygiene training.
Well-known local chef Tony Howell will lead masterclasses as part of the Margaret River course, including hands-on workshops in the kitchen, teaching food safety practices and introducing participants to a career in hospitality.
Hospitality operators will have the opportunity to introduce their business, meet participants and discuss available job openings on the final day.
Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull said the course is a great forum to raise awareness of local vacancies directly from employers and prepare job seekers for the industry.
“We know workforce shortages continue to be a concern for the tourism and hospitality industry.
“Heading into the festive season and the summer school holidays, hospitality businesses are booming and many are seeing huge demand,” Carolyn said.
“Businesses are ready to welcome patrons to enjoy their wonderful culinary delights on offer in the region, but are in need of more skilled workers to fill openings.
“The Hospitality Job Connect courses are helping to address this labour shortage and in particular, focus in on school leavers and those looking for a working holiday.”
Previous courses have been held in Kununurra and Geraldton, as well as student programs in Perth.
The current courses started yesterday (Monday 29 November).
A second Margaret River course will be held in December, specifically for barista training. The Barista Job Connect will run from December 6 to 8.
Find out more about our industry workforce programs here.