Would-be hospitality workers can receive 5-star training in the region’s top hotels for free after the State Government scrapped TAFE fees for 100,000 apprentices, saving students about $2,000 per course in order to combat the national trades drought.
Escarpment Group of hotels will contribute to the training investment, to be facilitated by the Skilling Australia Fund from July 1, and has invited applicants to submit their details.
The company operates the most awarded resorts in regional NSW including Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Darley’s Restaurant, Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, the iconic Hydro Majestic Hotel and Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges in the Blue Mountains. Further north, it also owns the historic Convent in the Hunter Valley and the multi-award-winning paddock-to-plate restaurant Circa 1876. With 10 busy dining outlets, the need for skills is significant.
Escarpment Group operations manager Adam Holmes said training trades and tourism workers under an apprenticeship enrolment with TAFE would help top up falling worker numbers in the industry: “Over the past five years the numbers of apprentices have reduced year-on-year to almost nil and we need more motivated skilled staff for regional tourism to thrive. Escarpment Group is a dynamic operator of premium hotels and resorts and needs trainees to future-proof the region for economic growth.”
Apprenticeships are available in the roles of chef, housekeeping, food and beverage service, customer service and reception.
Mr Holmes, originally from Cronulla and recently returned to Australia from Mauritius, said: “Escarpment Group is the largest tourism employer in the Blue Mountains with numerous staff with experience in some of the top restaurants and hotels in the world, ready and willing to share their knowledge and skills with trainees.
“With five luxury properties across two mature tourism regions, there is plenty of opportunity for growth and diversity in a versatile career that can take you anywhere in the world.’’
Potential apprentices have been invited to submit details to recruitment@escarpmentgroup.com.au.
