Australian Hotels Association WA (AHA WA) has welcomed yesterday’s announcement from the McGowan Government offering a free interactive course to improve workforce attraction and retention.
The workshop is assisting 30 job seekers in the Kimberley Local Government Area to able to enter the hospitality industry with work-ready skills, with participants completing the final day today.
AHA WA CEO Bradley Woods said the five-day Kimberley Hospitality Job Connect initiative was timely given the acute workforce shortages being experienced across regional WA.
“This practical, hands-on training will help prepare job seekers with the kind of basic experience and knowledge that hospitality operators are looking for,” Woods said.
“There is an abundance of hospitality jobs in regional WA at the moment, that can act as a launching pad into long, successful careers so now is the ideal time to equip job seekers with essential skills and basic qualifications they need to hit the ground running.”
He added: “Importantly, at the end of the five-day course, students will be introduced to employers who are looking to fill positions, which will inevitably lead to direct employment opportunities.
“We commend the State Government for this simple yet effective solution to alleviating widespread workforce shortages in WA’s regional hospitality businesses.”
The Kimberley Hospitality Job Connect is implemented through Tourism WA, with Tourism Minister David Templeman adding: “We know the hospitality industry is facing significant labour shortages and we are working to upskill locals to meet the demand.
“Through programs such as Kimberley Hospitality Job Connect, we’re training job seekers, as well as connecting them with potential employers, making the industry an attractive and rewarding career prospect.”
The participants will learn skills and training to succeed in a hospitality role, including industry certifications such as Responsible Service of Alcohol.
They will also spend the week learning barista and safe food handling skills, and have access to CV support and work readiness advice.
Member for Kimberley, Divina D’Anna said: “This is a fantastic initiative that will help local businesses operate during the busy dry season. It will also give locals who are looking for work a great opportunity to upskill and gain employment.”