Cert IV in travel proposed

SKILLS IQ has launched a public consultation on the training requirements for the Tourism, Travel & Hospitality sector, including a proposed new Certificate IV in Travel qualification “to meet skill needs for supervisory staff in the travel sector”.

The formal ‘Industry Summary’ document has been guided by the sector’s Industry Reference Committee, comprising stakeholders from various industry organisations such as Restaurant Catering Australia, the Caravan Industry Association, training bodies, tourism groups and Rick Myatt from the Australian Travel Careers Council.

The draft summary gives an overview of the interconnected nature of travel, tourism and hospitality, as well as the crippling effect of COVID-19 and the expected industry recovery supported by the Government’s THRIVE 2030 strategy targeting $230 billion in visitor spending.

“The Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package plays a vital role in ensuring workers are equipped with the right skills and knowledge... skilled workers will not only support sectors to achieve potential growth, but they can also ensure they remain innovative and continue to make important contributions to Australia’s economy,” it stated.

The document cites estimates that there are 9,000 travel agency and tour arrangement service businesses which employ roughly 34,600 workers, with an overall revenue value of $6.8 billion, which is forecast to grow strongly at 9.4% per annum over the next five years.

With the sectors collectively experiencing significant workforce supply and skills shortages, key challenges must be addressed, with the document noting both job-specific and technical skills, as well as “soft skills” like teamwork, customer service and problem solving.

The paper is at skillsiq.com.au, with feedback sought by 29 Jul.