- Western Australian Government launches bespoke tourism and hospitality training program in regional WA
- Sessions running until June this year across the State
- Program hosted in partnership with Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry WA to connect jobseekers with tourism businesses in each region
- Supported by WA Government's Tourism Workforce Development Program
The Western Australian Government has partnered with the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry WA (RCCI WA) network to provide a series of job-ready training workshops for tourism and hospitality industry job seekers across the State.
Eight local Chambers of Commerce are delivering a series of bespoke and subsidised tourism and hospitality training workshops, as well as events to connect job seekers with tourism businesses.
The program started in March and runs until June, as an extension of the 2023 inaugural program introduced in Carnarvon and Exmouth, which helped build local workforce capacity ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse event.
Some workshops from this year's program have already taken place in Albany, Bunbury, Exmouth and Broome, all of which have been well attended.
They will be followed by programs scheduled for Esperance, Geraldton, Margaret River and Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The sessions range from half-day workshops to three-day courses, and include topics such as Approved Managers' Certification, Barista Training, Excellence in Hospitality, Mastering Customer Conversation, Responsible Service of Alcohol, plus many more, offering a combination of certificate of participation and job-ready accreditations.
The chambers have consulted industry to develop the programs and engaged local TAFE and other training partners to deliver the workshops, to provide a taster for participants who want to continue with further accredited study at their local TAFE.
This Regional Workforce Development Program, as well as the development of the westernaustralia.jobs website, is part of the WA Government's two-year $3.9 million commitment to develop workforce skills for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Since its launch in May 2022, the westernaustralia.jobsportal has attracted more than 870 employers and 9,000 job seekers, connecting them with over 1000 listed job vacancies.
More information on the workshops being held as part of the Regional Tourism Workforce Development program, and their locations, can be found at https://westernaustralia.jobs/training-education/regional-workshops/
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The success of our tourism industry relies heavily on the capability and skills of the workforce, so we're very keen to continue supporting industry, creating new jobs and attracting potential workers.
"This Regional Tourism Workforce Development Program has been designed in consultation with industry to engage future workers - including young people and mature age workers - to meet immediate and emerging skills requirements for the tourism and hospitality sectors.
"Through the bespoke program, participants will gain initial skills that will put them in good stead for future employment opportunities within the State's tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as provide a taster of requirements for those who wish to gain additional skillsets with further study and training."
As stated by Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:
"Training has the power to change people's lives and provides incredible opportunities to help all Western Australians get ahead by gaining the skills they need to land jobs.
"Programs like these are so valuable in attracting potential workers, especially those who might not have previously considered a career in tourism or hospitality and putting them on the path to future employment in this fantastic industry."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"We are working closely with industry in each region to ensure those who are taking part in these workshops not only learn new skills, but also receive the best opportunities for development and entry into tourism and hospitality careers within their local communities.
"This program will deliver job-ready workers to meet the immediate needs of Western Australia's multibillion-dollar tourism industry, as well as helping diversify regional employment opportunities."
