Lack of interest baffles
THE side effects of Gladstone's industrial boom are a vicious cycle that continues to shock local businesses.
The crippling skills shortage that has affected the region since the boom began has now hit the hospitality industry.
As Gladstone's population continues to grow so does the demand for hospitality workers, yet there seems to be no one to fill these positions.
Julie-Ann Devilee from Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy is one of many who are concerned about the lack of interest in hospitality in the region.
Gladstone Workforce Skilling Strategy has teamed up with the CQ Institute of Tafe to create a new hospitality course.
Ms Devilee said the course allowed students to get a Certificate II in hospitality, while completing relevant work experience likely to result in employment.
"It's about getting them job ready," she said.
The course has been up and ready to go for weeks now but is unable to go ahead due to a lack of interest.
It needs a minimum of 10 people, ideally 15 to start, yet only eight have signed on.
"We are finding that within the eligible participant pool, no one is attracted to retail or hospitality, particularly hospitality," Ms Devilee said.
"People are expecting to get jobs in industry yet we have all these businesses crying they don't have enough people to fill shifts."
Ms Devilee believes the problem is that many people don't understand the array of career paths available in the hospitality industry.
"The management and work skills translate to so many industries and it's a fantastic way to network and meet people," she said.
"The thing is there is a wrong perception that hospitality is not a career."
NEW COURSE
- Pre-Vocational Cookery Certificate II in Hospitality (kitchen operations)
- For more information go online to careersinenergy.com.au
