27 June 2007
Internship Program to Bolster Local Workforce
The growing Queensland tourism and hospitality industry will be able to tap into a new team of young workers under an internship program launched by the Hospitality Training Association Inc.
The Queensland tourism and hospitality industry, one of the state’s largest export earners, continues to experience growth, employing more than 136,000 people and contributing more than $8.4 billion to the Queensland economy.
However, this growth has also made it difficult for industry employers to source skilled reliable staff.
The Internship Program is a significant step for the industry. The program injects 300 equivalent full time employees into the industry sector.
This program is designed with the industry in mind. The HTA Internship is a practical solution for the owners and managers of hospitality establishments who are looking for an extra pair of well-trained hands to assist their business. It comes with the minimum of fuss and at no charge to the employer.
A key benefit of the program is that HTA has committed $1.2 million to this initiative and it will provide employers and hospitality establishments with access to 180, 000 student contact hours for training, induction and orientation programs in their establishments.
HTA CEO Phillip Charlton said the internship program was just one initiative HTA was undertaking to help meet the industry’s demand for trained staff.
“Under the program, Certificate and Diploma students will be able to enjoy internships in local hotels, restaurants and cafes. This not only gives students the chance to hone their skills and gain real work experience, but also gives employers a new flexible workforce,” he said.
“Importantly, these interns are available during peak times in the industry, helping to alleviate the current skills shortage.
“Under their Australian Visas, students can work up to 20 hours a week and this program aims to harness this time to benefit the student and the industry.
“This real-life work experience will complement the high-quality training they will be given during their studies at HTA.”
For further information and interviews please contact Phillip Charlton, CEO, on 3872 4200
For further images please contact Maxine Day, International Marketing Coordinator, on 3872 4200
|
