hospitalitybiz.org

The Western Australian Government has launched a new training initiative as part of its strategy to attract young people into the hospitality industry.

The new ‘Hospitality Passport’ program for aspiring chefs and front-of-house staff is offering 40 apprenticeship and training places in some of Western Australia’s top restaurants and hotels.

“This is a first class ticket to a top job in hospitality, by training with the industry’s best in the finest restaurants and hotels around WA,” said Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan.

“This is a unique opportunity to launch an exciting career in a fast paced industry, and experience the best of WA hospitality at the same time.”

August 10 is the deadline for applications.

Some of the industry’s biggest names are on board, including Lamont’s and Fraser’s Restaurants, Must Wine Bar, Subiaco Hotel, Voyages El Questro Wilderness Park, Quay West Bunker Bay Resort and more. Prominent industry figures on board include Lamont’s Restaurant owner and chair of Tourism WA, Kate Lamont, Fraser’s Restaurant general manager, Chris Taylor, Must Wine Bar general manager, Russell Blaikie, and Australian celebrity chef, Ben O’Donoghue (Surfing the Menu).

“With their ‘Hospitality Passport’, these young people will be fully qualified, well travelled and will be in high demand for their skills and experience,” McGowan said.

McGowan said the program was part of the Government’s new $3.3m package to develop stronger links between training providers and industry. “We are responding to industry demands for more flexible training programs to boost the supply of skilled workers, and a one size fits all approach simply does not work,” he said.

Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the ‘Hospitality Passport’ was an example of how dynamic a career in tourism and hospitality could be. “It really does give you the skills to take you places,” McHale said. “It is an opportunity to demonstrate how important chefs are in delivering a thriving tourism product, and will provide much needed support to the many leading restaurants and hotels currently operating at near capacity. This program will see young talent work in some of WA’s most iconic destinations, from the State’s tropical north to our lush wine region.”