Government fund to serve up more apprentices for Queensland restaurants

Published Tuesday, 27 November, 2018 at 03:43 PM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

The Palaszczuk Government is ensuring Queensland’s growing hospitality industry has the skilled workers it needs for the future.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman at The Lab at Treasury Casino today announced a $236,000 grant from the $1 million Advancing Apprentices Fund to Restaurant and Catering Australia.

“Apprenticeships and traineeships set people up for lifelong careers and are vital for growing the Queensland workforce,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The association will launch a promotional campaign over the next 12 months to encourage awareness and promote the benefits of apprenticeships not only to students and job seekers but employers as well.”

“I also congratulate two other successful fund recipients, Hardware Australia and the Apprentice Employer Network which will also spread the apprenticeship message.”

Deputy CEO of Restaurant and Catering Industry Association of Australia, Ms Sally Neville said their campaign will aim to engage with 2000 potential apprentices through 100 events and activities including school visits, seminars, various media opportunities and about 20 presentations to industry and trade events.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the association to lead the way in fostering the hospitality workers of the future to fulfil the growing consumer demand for our great Queensland tourism food and wine experiences,” Ms Neville said.

Ms Fentiman said the projected demand for jobs in hospitality and tourism indicates a bright future for new apprentices.

“The Jobs Queensland Tourism Workforce Plan projects that we will need an additional 20,000 skilled workers in the growing hospitality industry by 2020.

“That’s why we are investing in initiatives like the Advancing Apprentice Fund and offering free tafe for all year 12 graduates with 160 courses on offer, including nine in hospitality and cookery.”

“With exciting multi-billion dollar projects planned for Queensland including the Queen's Wharf precinct, Edward St revitalisation, Howard Smith Wharves redevelopment, Brisbane Airport runway, International Cruise terminal and the Cross-River Rail, apprenticeship and job opportunities abound.

“The Queen’s Wharf precinct alone will deliver over 1,000 hotel rooms across four hotels with 50 bars and restaurants.

The Star Entertainment Group Managing Director and CEO Matt Bekier welcomed the training incentive to help meet future workforce demands at large-scale developments including Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.

“The $3.6 billion development will require around 500 chefs for its planned opening in 2022.

“This is one way the Palaszczuk Government is working with industry to grow the economy and encourage more Queenslanders into apprenticeships,” Ms Fentiman said.

“While up to $1 million is available through the apprenticeship fund, co-investment from industry will see up to $2 million spent on the promotion of apprenticeships in Queensland.”

“There’s never been a more exciting time to work in tourism and hospitality and this world-class development presents an extraordinary career opportunity for aspiring Queensland chefs.

“The future of work will be the focus tomorrow when Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk brings together the state’s heads of industry with educators, training providers, mayors and unions at a Skills and Industry Summit.

“The Summit puts the spotlight on job creation, skills development and supporting greater innovation, including how to ensure we have the skilled workforce for the future jobs

For further information on these projects visit www.training.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 935.

 

Advancing Apprentices Fund information:

 

Restaurant and Catering Australia     $236,000

Hardware Australia                             $ 40,500

Apprentice Employer Network            $ 50,000

 

ENDS

 

MEDIA CONTACT:    Inga Williams              0439 949 719