By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
Applications have now opened for AHA NSW’s Hospitality Scholarship.
Young men and women from regional New South Wales can now apply for a $20,000 grant that will undertake a two-and-a-half –year Bachelor of Business degree (International Hotel and Resorts Management) at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.
"Hotel staff embody the qualities of regional NSW with their hard work and dedication to excellence in hospitality,” AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said.
“The 2015 AHA NSW Hospitality Scholarship is an outstanding opportunity for men and women looking to further their career in our great industry and we are so grateful for the chance to give back to our local communities.”
In previous years, the award had only been open to women with a passion to develop their careers in hospitality, but after the overwhelming success of the award, the decision was made to open the sponsorship up to young men as well.
To qualify for the award, nominees can either be currently working in hospitality, or be looking to enter the hospitality industry. They must also be due to complete their Higher School Certificate in 2015 or be older. The winning applicant must be 18 at the commencement of the course, however they can be under 18 when applying for the scholarship and the postpone study.
Applicants are free to nominate themselves, however employers who believe a young employee has potential to do well in the industry can also nominate them for the scholarship.
Last year’s winner Josey Oldfield, hails from Forster, and was working in her family’s business – Country Palings Café and Holiday Rentals – at the time. The scholarship has now created career development opportunities for Josey that would not have been possible were it not for AHA NSW.
Nominations are now open and application forms can be requested by emailing Elaine.Robertson@ahansw.com.au. Nominations close 25 September.