Recipe to retain apprentices in hospitality

Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA), the peak National organisation representing the interests of restaurateurs, caterers and café operators, is pleased to launch the Skills Pathways project.

The $7 million project has been co-funded by the Australian Government’s Accelerated Australian Apprenticeships initiative to help improve retention rates, increase the quality of apprentices to meet industry needs and to up skill chefs and supervisors.

Research by the National Centre for Vocational Educational Research from 2005 – 2009 shows that only 39.2 percent of Australian apprentices in the food industry gain their qualification.

R&CA CEO John Hart says that this is a major concern for the restaurant and catering industry.

“The Skills Pathways project is a 360 degree approach to improve retention rates with four new competency based progression pathways, which are available to prospective apprentices, apprentices, chefs and supervisors,” Mr Hart said.

R&CA is working closely with eight training registered organisations to provide world class training until June 30, 2015.

There are 1,250 positions available in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT and WA across the four Skills Pathways including:

• 500 Certificate lll in Commercial Cookery apprenticeships and;
  Certificate lll in Hospitality (front-of-house) vacancies;
• 325 Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery positions;
• 400 formal training in supervision pathways.

Skills Pathways Ambassador Dan Hong encourages his staff to get involved in the program and hopes other businesses follow suit.

“The Skills Pathways program has all the ingredients for the perfect recipe, as the learner, employer and trainer are provided with quality training material, relevant assessment and a system that understands the dynamics of the workplace.

“I wish I had this sort of support when I was completing my apprenticeship – I’d like to think that I can give back – as I know from my experience that it’s a tough industry”, Mr Hong said.

Under the program, both back-of-house and front-of-house apprentices will be treated equally with the completion of apprenticeships in half the time than currently, while depending solely on high performance levels.

“This aims to not only help address the skills shortage, but also provides apprentices with the flexibility that the association understands the industry needs,” Mr Hart said.

The program is supported 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’.

Employers can track an employee’s training and career achievements on the website, which helps connect them with apprentices and chefs.

“I am confident that the project will stimulate a sustainable apprenticeship system for the industry, which will work for business across Australia – metropolitan, regional, large and small”, Mr Hart said.

Those interested in any of the Skills Pathways are encouraged to register their interest at www.discoverhospitality.com

Source: Restaurant & Catering, 20 October 2013