IT’s no secret that businesses are struggling to fill roles in hospitality businesses.

The Shoal Bay Country Club has a sign placed at the entry stating that they have 100 roles to fill.

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As the state opens up it is devastating to businesses if they are unable to trade simply because they cannot find the right staff.

Paul Shaw of Zenith Hotels which operates the Shoal Bay Country Club told News Of The Area, “This summer looks to be our most challenging we’ve ever faced, due to not only industry and regional shortages but the growth we expect to see in the Port Stephens this summer.

“Also for us at Shoal Bay Country Club, launching ATMOS, our new restaurant, requires many additional resources than previous years.

“Our campaign of 100 staff required has seen us actively recruiting for well over a month already in preparation for what’s ahead of us.

“This year we’ve had to get much more creative in our reach for candidates in offering internal employee referral payments, supplying staff housing, sign on bonuses and relocation assistance packages for experienced employees.

“We feel we have to do this as normal advertising channels are simply flooded with all hospitality businesses looking for staff.

“We also find ourselves in a position of offering many more inexperienced candidates an opportunity, which is great too as we will invest in training and support to help them into the industry and hopefully see them become future hospitality leaders in years to come,” he said.

Whether it’s a first job or a career change, the NSW Government is out to attract job seekers with free training opportunities designed to help fill skill shortages in the hospitality sector.

The NSW Government has announced around 3000 free training places across 29 different courses are now available to study at TAFE NSW and other registered training providers, including barista training, safe food handling, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and introduction to cooking courses.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the free training would help attract more workers to hospitality venues, at a critical time in the sector’s recovery from the pandemic.

“People from all over the State are lining up to get into pubs and clubs and we want to support those businesses with enthusiastic and skilled staff,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know businesses are struggling without the international workforce they depended on pre-lockdown.

“That’s why opportunities like this are so valuable, filling labour gaps and giving jobseekers the opportunity of a bright future in hospitality.”

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the sector had been calling out for help to staff venues, and the NSW Government is responding.

“We’ve opened the doors to the State, and now we want to equip the sector with the confidence to thrive with the rest of the economy,” Mr Lee said.

“This training not only helps businesses staff venues, but it also opens up career opportunities for people looking to make their start in the once again booming hospitality industry.

“There are great career pathways in hospitality; today’s bartender or wait staff can become tomorrow’s pub, bar or restaurant owner.”

Australian Hotels Association Chief Executive John Whelan said the training had come at the right time as pubs and restaurants dial up business.

“The NSW government is to be congratulated.

“This comprehensive program provides the skills to build a new era of hospitality – both school leavers and those looking for a career change,” Mr Whelan said.

The announcement complements the free training already being funded under the joint State and Federal JobTrainer program.

To enrol in a free TAFE hospitality course, visit: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/skills-served-up

To explore other free hospitality courses available to study, visit: https://bit.ly/3GpNEKW

By Marian SAMPSON