New course for local job seekers

With hospitality businesses across Gippsland struggling to attract staff, a new course aims to get job seekers serving.

Gippsland is home to a growing number of restaurants and cafes but a common problem across the hospitality sector is the lack of consistent, committed and good quality staff.

To help address the problem, Gippsland Regional Agrifood Employment Program (GRAEP) is working with Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House and TAFE Gippsland to provide pre-employment training.

The practical communications skills short course is called “Get Serving” and participation is free for job seekers who register themselves with GRAEP.

With an emphasis on practical face to face learning in a COVID safe environment, Get Serving will include three days training then a one-day placement in a local café or restaurant – giving participants the opportunity to impress a potential employer with their newfound skills.

The content is engaging and fun, providing practical tips and guidance around communication with customers, personal presentation, understanding timelines in kitchen, and how to work well with other team members in busy, often stressful environments.

GRAEP program manager Julie Tuhi is confident this will result in some enthusiastic and job-ready candidates who may look more closely at their long-term career opportunities in hospitality.

“I’ve had lots of conversations with hospitality businesses, and they’re all delighted we are running this course – the most common thing they’re saying is send the participants to us when they’ve finished the training,” she said.

The course is being funded by Jobs Victoria and delivered by Food & Fibre Gippsland.

The first course is running this week in Traralgon with courses to be run in every shire over the next few months.

Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House Adult Education Officer Julie Callaghan said one of the important outcomes was rebuilding confidence and feeling comfortable communicating in a workplace again.

Once participants have completed Get Serving, they’re encouraged to expand their skills with free placements at TAFE Gippsland in safe food handling and responsible service of alcohol course.

To register as a job seeker with GRAEP, go to foodandfibregippsland.com.au and click on employment program.