Some of Queensland’s most successful hospitality operators are putting their support behind a new training initiative that is aiming to improve vital business skills and management skills in the industry.
The Sunshine Coast TAFE is in the process of establishing its Appetite for Success program which aims to equip the next generation of industry leaders with practical and relevant skills they need to build long term careers in the industry. It combines a range of different methods including mentoring by established restaurateurs and chefs, and workplace-based projects, and external education.
The Appetite for Success program started in South Australia in 2006 as a joint initiative of the Food, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skills Advisory Council and TAFE SA partnering with the company Strategon, and has been recognised through several state training awards for its successful strategy of participants and industry partnering.
The Sunshine Coast TAFE is now calling for nominations from both people who would like to participate in the program as students, and industry people who would like to be mentors and guest speakers.
Early industry supporters of the program include co-owner of Brisbane’s successful Baguette Bistro and Bar, Marilyn Domonech, and owner of the award-winning Spirit House restaurant, Helen Brierty.
Domonech said she hoped the program would bring “much-needed professionals” to hospitality.
“Our employees need the opportunity to learn about the day to day running of a business, something that has been really lacking in our industry,” she said.
“You might be the best chef or wait staff in the world and serve fab food but if you don’t understand the importance of controlling costs you’ll just go broke.”
Brierty said the skills taught through the program were essential for many of the industry’s workforce who viewed the hospitality industry as a long term career.
“It’s absolutely vital for many employees to have these managerial and business skills and be able to manage the stress of supervising a team and, even more importantly, the stress of managing cash flow,” she said.
“It’s something that has been lacking in the industry and unless they study a degree, and most full time staff haven’t got the time to do that, there’s nothing available for them.
“The practical focus is also very important because our industry is all about dealing with staff and clients, and you can only learn that through hands on experience and exposure to certain situations you won’t find in a classroom.”
Sunshine Coast TAFE Appetite for Success program coordinator Heidi Bracko said the program had strong support from many high profile and successful hospitality players.
“They’re ready to become directly involved in training and mentoring roles because they can see that we’re bringing valuable skills and supporting them with better staff,” Bracko said.
“They can see we will be giving people the ability, experience and networks to become the perfect well rounded hospitality manager and contribute significantly to the future success of the industry.”
Applications for those wanting to be a participant in the program as student close at the end of September. From the applicants up to 40 will then be selected by a panel of industry leaders to take part on the program in 2011.
For more information head to appetiteforsuccess.com.au