BY ISABEL EVERETT
A partnership between the NSW Government and Clubs NSW will be piloted in clubs across the Upper Hunter, aiming to give unemployed locals an opportunity to reskill for a job in a club.
It's hoped the free hospitality training will address growing skills shortages in the regional hospitality industry.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said COVID-19 had intensified an already-acute skills shortage for jobs, with local unemployment and a lack of overseas workers such as chefs, bar attendants and kitchenhands.
“Right here
in the Upper Hunter, Singleton Diggers, Muswellbrook RSL, Singleton Bowlo and
Scone RSL will be among the first in the state to take advantage of the free
training and equip locals with specialised skills delivered by TAFE NSW."
“Following the pilot in the Upper Hunter, the program will be rolled out to regional areas across the state, making it easier for jobseekers to find jobs in the future, keeping money in the local economy.”
Clubs NSW Chief
Executive Josh Landis said Clubs NSW welcomed the partnership to create jobs in regional areas.
“Registered clubs
employ more than 43,000 people across the state and are often the largest
employer in regional communities, providing an opportunity for country
residents to live and work in the towns they grew up in,” Mr Landis said.
The fee-free training
will be funded by the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program with a pilot
expected to begin from July.
For more information visit:
www.training.nsw.gov.au/programs_services/funded_other/clubsnsw/index.html
