The College of Tourism and Hospitality (COTAH) within Tafe Queensland Brisbane is excited to be offering these programs aimed at increasing the skills and professional standing of graduates with comprehensive training and support from COTAH's Industry leading trainers and expect a strong interest in the pathways across the region.
Restaurant & Catering Australia's (R&CA) has worked extensively with Government and industry representatives to allow existing and new employees to upgrade their skills and gain qualifications and recognition deserving of professionals in the Hospitality Industry.
The Certificate III in Hospitality and the Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery apprenticeships are now available through the R&CA Skills Pathways Project in conjunction with College of Tourism and Hospitality - COTAH at Tafe Queensland Brisbane.
Apprentices who are training through this arrangement can become a trade qualified chef (CertIV) or a trade qualified front-of-house specialist (Cert III) through competency based pathways by demonstrating their skills and knowledge, apprentices can complete their qualification in a lesser period than generally achieved through the traditional method.
R&CA is pleased to welcome Bulla Dairy Foods, Australia's oldest family owned and operated dairy company, as the official partner for the remainder of the Skills Pathways Project.
Bulla Dairy Foods is honoured to be a part of a program that up skills students in the hospitality industry, as Bulla Dairy Foods relies on focused individuals, like graduates of these programs, to choose quality Australian products to use in their facilities.
Training for these apprenticeships can be conducted in the workplace and at COTAH campuses.
The Skills Pathways project arrangement includes career advice, job search assistance, mentoring and an online Skills Passport, which tracks skills being gained by students.
R&CA CEO John Hart believes that an apprenticeship is the most effective training pathway particularly for young people entering the hospitality industry. He noted that 'the on and off the job learning provides the most 'job-ready' graduates'.
"Australia has a very good reputation in this industry and skills gained can be transferred to any part of the world - in fact they are sought after", said Hart.
Director of Faculty Maria O'Dea says "At COTAH we're always looking at ways to we can improve our training and urge those interested in front-of-house and becoming a chef to be quickly to register their interest."
Skills Pathways Ambassador Dan Hong is confident the program will help increase the number of apprentices currently working in his Merivale kitchens, with only two among his 40 employees.
"The Skills Pathways program has all the ingredients for the perfect recipe - I wish I had this sort of support when I was completing my apprenticeship", said Hong.
The program is reinforced by the Discover Hospitality website, which is the first online recruitment platform where users can store their electronic CV and supporting information in a free, convenient and secure 'Skills Passport'.
Those who create a free online Skills Passport before COB Saturday 28 February, go in the draw to win a cooking session with award winning chef Dan Hong at this Sydney restaurant Wong in March.
Employers can search for staff and track an employee's training and career achievements on the website, which helps connect them with apprentices and qualified staff.
