Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality sector will receive a $2.55 million boost over three years to train the next generation of workers.
The state government announced the funding on Tuesday for the Tasmanian Hospitality and Tourism Academy, an industry-led organisation that designs training programs in partnership with hospitality and tourism businesses.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Roger Jaensch said the investment would help ensure Tasmania has a workforce ready to meet growing demand.
“Tourism is a powerhouse for Tasmania. It creates jobs, strengthens our economy, supports infrastructure development and helps showcase the very best of what Tasmania has to offer,” Jaensch said.
“A strong and skilled workforce is critical to the continued growth of Tasmania’s tourism and hospitality industry.”
Jaensch pointed to Tasmania’s best-ever tourism year and upcoming developments including the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels arriving at the end of October and the Macquarie Point Stadium as drivers of future demand.
Academy Executive Director Lisa Punshon said the organisation trained more than 850 people statewide last year and is on track to reach more than 1,000 this year.
Programs range from barista courses and leadership development through to visitor experience guiding and event training.
Punshon also announced a separate initiative in partnership with Hospitality Tasmania offering free Responsible Service of Alcohol training for 15 to 24-year-olds.
“That’s a great entry-level ticket into the industry and the start of us building their portfolio of skills and experience so that they can be part of that workforce pipeline that the minister mentioned,” she said.
The free RSA program will roll out over the next three months ahead of the busy summer season.
Punshon said the academy works alongside TasTAFE, offering shorter non-accredited courses that help people become job-ready quickly.
The academy also runs a hospitality and tourism jobs portal connecting trained workers with employers across the state.
