INDUSTRY FEATURE
From the world to the classroom Working in hospitality is often described as a job that can take you anywhere in the world – and Pete Handy is living proof. With more than three decades in the industry, Pete has travelled the globe and worked in countries from Spain to Switzerland to Italy. Now his passion lies in passing on his knowledge to the next generation and showcasing the opportunities that are available to them. progression, but a lifestyle, one that blended travel, creativity and the ability to earn a living anywhere. “I started at the Regent Hotel in Sydney, under Serge Dansereau in a large hotel, which is probably kind of the best place to start, because they’ve got a whole lot of different departments,” Pete says. “I learned my craft there, was there for three years, then moved to another place in Palm Beach in Sydney for my final year, and then went overseas and just travelled for 15 years.” PETE (THIRD FROM LEFT) WITH STUDENTS FROM HIS COOKERY CLASS
I t’s a story that speaks to the very heart of workforce development, not just filling roles, but shaping careers. Pete’s journey through the industry is one built on curiosity, creativity and a willingness to take opportunities as they come, wherever they may be in the world. It is also a reminder that hospitality, at its best, is far more than a job. It is a career that evolves, adapts and, for many, becomes a lifelong pursuit. For Pete, that journey began in some of the most structured and demanding environments the industry has to offer. Large-scale hotel kitchens, with their multiple departments and disciplines, provided the foundation. From there, the world opened up. What followed was not just a career
That ability to move seamlessly between countries and roles is something Pete is particularly passionate about highlighting to young people. In an era where career pathways can often feel rigid or narrowly defined, hospitality offers something different: flexibility, mobility and a genuine sense of possibility. It is also, in Pete’s view, one of the few industries where creativity is not just encouraged, but essential. For those who may not see themselves in a traditional academic setting, it can provide both direction and purpose. “This industry is amazing for travel, which is what I wanted to do, and a profession where you can get
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review April/May Edition
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