State Government hospitality course puts Albany job hunters on fast track to finding employment

A fast-track hospitality course that has found success in the Kimberley and Mid West came to Albany last week to help local job-hunters get a leg-up in the industry.

Tourism Minister David Templeman joined 28 Albany job-hunters at their session last Wednesday at The Old Dairy in Torbay.

On a whirlwind trip to the region, Mr Templeman also hosted a tourism industry roundtable for local businesses to have their say on practical initiatives to boost tourism ahead of WA reopening its borders.

The free five-day WA Government Hospitality Job Connect course followed successful runs in Kununurra, Geraldton and Broome.

Jobseekers gained experience in customer service training, learned barista skills, earned complete TAFE-accredited units, and gained responsible service of alcohol certification and Australia Hotels Association COVID-19 hygiene training.

WA food ambassador and chef Don Hancey stopped by the course to lead a masterclass for students, while hospitality operators joined participants on Friday to talk about their businesses and work opportunities.

Mr Templeman said labour shortages were a real concern for businesses across regional WA.

“The four courses taking place in this round of Hospitality Job Connects are helping to address this issue and upskill locals to meet the demand,” he said.

“They’re also well timed just ahead of the busy school holiday period and summer peak season, targeting students who have recently finished up their courses as well as local job-hunters.”