In order to tackle an ongoing skills shortage in the South Australian venue kitchens, the AHA|SA has teamed up with one of South Australia’s leading commercial cookery and hospitality training providers, Adelaide Institute of Hospitality (AIOH).
Under the new partnership, which is funded by the South Australian Government, the organisations will partner to attract and train apprentice chefs in a bid to address staff shortages in commercial kitchens.
Eligible candidates will be trained in all aspects of commercial cookery with apprenticeships on offer throughout Adelaide, Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley. Representatives from AIOH, AHA|SA, South Australian Government, Career Employment Group and Jobs Australia will also form a part of a steering committee to ensure successful career pathways.
AIOH manager Ben Sharpbelieves the partnership arrives at a critical time as the hospitality sector in the state goes through a period of growth.
“We know there is a large skill shortage in South Australia for chefs and the partnership with AHA|SA is a credible way to entice people thinking about a career as a chef. South Australia is celebrated for its wine and produce, we just need passionate people with the right skills to get this onto our plates,” Sharp said.
“There are a cohort of people out there who may not understand what is involved in the industry or the types of opportunities on offer. I think this partnership will open people’s minds to pursuing a career in hospitality”.
AHA|SA CEO Anna Moellerbelieves that the partnership with AIOH will have an impact in attracting apprentices into South Australian venues and applauds the State Government’s support in addressing skills shortages.
“Skills shortages are one of the biggest issues our hotel members are facing today, and in particular the chronic shortage of cooks and chefs”, Moeller said.
“AIOH’s apprentice program will go a long way in boosting the numbers of apprentices for our hotel members, and creating long term careers in cookery that the industry so urgently needs”.
The partnership is made possible through the support of the South Australian Government’s Skills Shortage Solutions grants that aim to address skill needs in high demand industries. You can view more information on the grants here.