Young job seekers encouraged to 'kickstart' career in hospitality

Member for Wollondilly, Nathaniel Smith, said the Kickstart Your Career in Hospitality program aimed to alleviate labour shortages that were hampering the industry and provided pathways for people looking for rewarding and well-paid careers.

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"We're breaking down barriers to entering the hospitality industry by offering free short courses that can help people secure jobs in local cafes, pubs, clubs or restaurants," he said.

"Whether you want to be a barista or a bartender, this initiative will help you get the skills you need for the job you want in the hospitality industry."

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the initiative would be open to people seeking jobs in hospitality as well as existing hospitality workers, allowing them to upskill and secure new or better jobs.

"A strong hospitality sector is absolutely critical for NSW, now and into the future," he said.

"This program draws on the NSW Government's record skills budget and will help secure a brighter future for the hospitality industry and all those who depend on it."

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Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government continued to work with industry to address crippling labour shortages, but also foster career progression and retention through scalable upskilling opportunities.

"These fee-free courses are designed to be short and quick, but also scalable so staff take up additional

training opportunities, to develop further skills over time, as they desire," he said.

ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said the initiative offered incredible opportunities for professional growth and development in the hospitality sector, particularly in clubs across the state.

"Someone who gets their first job in a club can go on to do amazing things. Clubs offer careers in cooking, hotel management, customer service, business operations and much more," Mr Landis said.

More information about eligibility criteria and enrolments, click here.

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