Workforce Development
Tackling the skills shortage, one expo at a time
university students, attending the UTAS TUSA Student Futures Expo to connect with those already studying but seeking flexible employment in hospitality right now. These students represent an important segment of our workforce – reliable, capable, and keen to work around their study commitments. With the right encouragement and workplace support, many could become long-term contributors to the industry.
With workforce shortages continuing to affect venues across Tasmania, THA is committed to delivering long-term, industry-led solutions that inspire the next generation to consider hospitality as a career – not just a casual job. This year alone, we have participated in 10 Careers Expos across the North, South, and Northwest, engaging directly with over 5000 students and job seekers. These expos are a vital part of our strategy to connect with young Tasmanians early, raising awareness about the broad and exciting career pathways hospitality can offer. The timing of many of these events aligned with National Careers Week– a nationwide campaign designed to celebrate career development and promote the value of career exploration. This provided the perfect platform to highlight hospitality’s versatility, accessibility, and the role it plays in local communities and economies.
The feedback from schools, students, and jobseekers has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong engagement and genuine interest in what the industry has to offer. Educators have praised the interactive approach and the industry’s presence at these expos, noting that it helps shift perceptions and broaden young people’s understanding of where a hospitality job can lead. For operators, these expos represent a key opportunity to address the skills shortage at its source. By planting the seed early, and supporting pathways into the industry, we can help shape a future workforce that is local, loyal, and ready to grow with your business. If your venue is interested in getting involved – whether it’s through hosting work experience, engaging with VR training initiatives, or supporting future expos – reach out!
THA’s booths were anything but ordinary. Students and jobseekers were able to participate in hands- on activities including mocktail making, using VR headsets to try bartending, and crafting coffees on commercial espresso machines. The goal is simple – make hospitality real, relatable, and exciting. “It’s so important to have the hospitality industry at these events – not only showcasing first-time jobs for our young people, but showing the amazing career journey they can go on,” says Hobart College Hospitality Teacher Dan Conway.
Together, we can build a stronger, smarter and more capable hospitality workforce for Tasmania.
Workforce Development Enquiries? Contact Jack Milbourne E: jack@tha.asn.au Ph: 0439 763 977
We also expanded our focus this year to include
27 Tasmanian Hospitality Review June/July Edition
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