School Holiday Skills to Boost Hospitality

Young people across region are set to benefit from fee-free hospitality training during the winter school holidays to help them get the skills they need for the jobs they want.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the hospitality industry offers incredible opportunities and this initiative will give students aged 16 and above a great head start in the industry.

“By giving local students a foot-in-the-door, they’ll gain practical experience and build industry connections, which in turn supports their ongoing education and employment pathways and help businesses meet demand for workers,” Ms Cooke said.

Courses available include Statement of Attainment in Hospitality Skills, Statement of Attainment in Espresso Coffee and Food Safety Supervisor.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said 1,000 free training places are up for grabs as part of a new NSW Government initiative.

“We want to provide more opportunities for young people to get the skills they need for a first job, a new job or a better job, and this program is another great example of that,” Mr Henskens said.

Since February, the NSW Government has delivered 10,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the hospitality sector supports more than 300,000 jobs across the State and now is the perfect time for students to gain their free qualification and enter the industry.

“These free courses will help young people get jobs at local cafes and restaurants, which will support hospitality businesses who are in need of staff,” Mr Anderson said.

Training will be delivered during the July and September school holiday periods (4-15 July 2022 and 26 September–7 October 2022) and are available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations.

For more information, visit skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/school-holidays-hospitality-skills.

Student from Young Shines at NSW Training Awards

The region’s most outstanding apprentices, trainees, students and teachers were recognised at the Riverina 2022 NSW Training Awards ceremony last week in Griffith.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated Emily Pratt, from Young, who took out the VET in Schools Student of the Year Award at the regional ceremony.

“It is wonderful to see Emily’s efforts recognised with this award,” Ms Cooke said.

“Studying Hospitality, Emily is no stranger to seeking opportunities to develop her industry knowledge and skills, regularly volunteering in a wide range of catering opportunities. I congratulate Emily on this well-deserved honour.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the enormous breadth of talent amongst this year’s finalists and winners demonstrates the opportunities available for rewarding careers available through vocational education and training.

“Vocational education and training delivers real-life skills for people to help them get the jobs they want and it’s great to see so many passionate and enthusiastic young people receiving awards locally,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Government is delivering a range of fee-free and low-fee training to help people get their first job, a new job or a better job, and these awards are a great way to highlight the career opportunities that are available right here in NSW.” 

For more information, visit https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/training_awards.