Pilot project training more cooks for Queensland kitchens

The Palaszczuk Government is putting more cooks in Queensland kitchens with the launch of an innovative pilot program matching employers with apprentice chefs.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the economic recovery of Queensland’s tourism and hospitality sector was reliant on a job-ready workforce.

Labour shortages for key industries will be the focus for international and Queensland-based industry and economic experts, thought leaders and change makers at Friday’s Workforce Skills Summit at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Summit, like the pilot program, will help develop new ways for employers to access the workforce they need to thrive and grow. 

“Queensland is reopening to the world and one of our greatest selling points is our unrivalled hospitality scene,” Minister Farmer said.

“Now is the time for our cafes and restaurants to shine, but they need the workforce to do it.

“Unfortunately, too many cooks in the kitchen is not a problem Queensland has.

“There are more than 1,200 job vacancies across the state, so we’ve partnered with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and TAFE Queensland to launch an intensive apprentice training model and student and employer matching program.

“We’re investing $1.5 million in this Commercial Cookery Pilot program to train the work-ready cooks the industry needs now and in the future.”

The first intake of 16 students started their free training at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus last month.

Minister Farmer said the intensive cookery program significantly shortens apprenticeship completion times and increases completion rates.

“Today, these students are taking part in a ‘speed date’ of sorts with employers from across the local tourism and hospitality industry,” the Minister said.

“It gives employers access to a high-quality candidate pool and students the opportunity to find work experience and potential employment as an apprentice.

“We’ve also made this program as accessible as possible by fully funding training fees and even supplying the students’ uniform and knives.”

QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said workforce and skill shortages had emerged as the greatest challenge to a recovering tourism sector.

“Building a skilled workforce with professionals embracing long-term careers in tourism and hospitality is a top priority for our industry,” Mr Gschwind said.

“Queensland is well positioned to benefit from the recovering, global tourism demand but we need to deliver quality services to visitors, with skilled staff. 

“That is how we can establish a competitive edge.

“This pilot program is an important collaborative initiative to demonstrate how we can position Queensland as a place to forge a tourism career.”

The 40-week pilot will be delivered to up to 75 students at TAFE campuses in South Bank, Mooloolaba, Southport and Cairns.

To find out more, visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/workforcesummit

For information about the Commercial Cookery Pre-apprenticeship Pilot, visit Certificate III in

Commercial Cookery - TAFE Queensland.

ENDS

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0460 785 378