The growing Queensland tourism and hospitality industry will be able to tap into a new team of young workers under an new internship program.

Launched by Queensland based recruitment and training specialist of apprentice chefs, the Hospitality Training Association, the internship program will inject 300 equivalent full-time employees into the industry sector.

HTA chief executive officer Phillip Charlton said the program is designed “with the industry in mind”.

“The HTA Internship is a practical solution for the owners and managers of hospitality establishments who are looking for an extra pair of well-trained hands to assist their business. It comes with the minimum of fuss and at no charge to the employer,” Charlton said.

HTA has committed $1.2m to the initiative and it will provide employers and hospitality establishments with access to 180, 000 student contact hours for training, induction and orientation programs in their establishments.

Charlton said the internship program was just one initiative HTA was undertaking to help meet the industry’s demand for trained staff. “Under the program, Certificate and Diploma students will be able to enjoy internships in local hotels, restaurants and cafes. This not only gives students the chance to hone their skills and gain real work experience, but also gives employers a new flexible workforce,” he said.

“Importantly, these interns are available during peak times in the industry, helping to alleviate the current skills shortage. Under their Australian Visas, students can work up to 20 hours a week and this program aims to harness this time to benefit the student and the industry. This real-life work experience will complement the high-quality training they will be given during their studies at HTA.” For more information got to http://www.hta.org.au