Published: 13 May 2021
Thirty Kununurra job seekers are taking part in a fast-track course this week to learn the skills needed to excel in a hospitality role and connect with employers on the hunt for job ready workers.
The five-day Kimberley Hospitality Job Connect, running from May 10 to 14, aims to equip participants with relevant skills and includes masterclasses and off-site activities led by WA Food Ambassador Chef Don Hancey and representatives from local businesses.
Job seekers will leave equipped with the skills and training to succeed in a hospitality role, including industry certifications such as Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).
The free interactive course will also connect job seekers with potential employers through an employer visit, providing businesses with a chance to speak to participants about job opportunities and what they look for in a worker.
Tourism Western Australia Acting Managing Director Derryn Belford said the course is expected to produce well-trained future employees ready to get to work in the hospitality industry.
“Courses such as the Kimberley Job Connect offer a fantastic opportunity to introduce participants to the industry and generate much-needed skilled workers, who are directly linked with hospitality businesses through the course,” she said.
“Upskilling eager job seekers helps to address workforce attraction and retention, which has been a challenge for businesses, particularly in regional areas and following border closures.
“The Job Connect not only gives participants a taster of the many benefits of working in hospitality, it also gives job seekers a chance to learn from successful people in the industry, including WA Food Ambassador Chef Don Hancey.”
The Kimberley Job Connect is just one of a number of Tourism WA initiatives to assist the tourism and hospitality industry to address workforce attraction and retention issues.