Tourism and hospitality businesses in Western Australia are now able to access more Australian Government funding for workforce training.
Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP today welcomed the decision by the State Training Board of Western Australia to align training periods for Certificate III in Hospitality with that of other States and Territories.
“This decision makes sense. It will encourage more businesses to train their staff and given that tourism is a people business, training can make the difference between a good and bad customer experience,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Having nationally consistent training is also something we are pursing through the National Long Term Tourism Strategy.
“This positive outcome would not have been possible without the commitment of the Western Australian Minister for Tourism, Dr Elizabeth Constable and Minister for Training, Mr Peter Collier.
“The tourism industry employs nearly half a million Australians, many of whom are in rural and regional areas.
“Tourism is dependent on a highly trained, highly skilled, flexible and mobile workforce. We are ensuring that even the most basic qualifications such as the Responsible Service of Alcohol Certification are recognised and consistent from one State or Territory to the next.
“This change also means that tourism and hospitality businesses in WA are now able to access up to $4000 in incentives under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program to increase and formalise skills for existing employees.”
Employers in WA seeking more information about funds available to industry for training should visit www.deewr.gov.au.
Further information about the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy is available at www.ret.gov.au/tourism.