CoE Update | June 2023

Welcome to the latest Centre of Excellence Update

The focus for the Centre of Excellence for the month of June was to deliver programs that inspired high school students to consider a career in hospitality and tourism, and showcase the resources available for them to explore career pathways, tools to develop self-knowledge to help advise with career decision-making. Long thought of a way to fund your lifestyle when undertaking tertiary studies, the Centre of Excellence has developed a program to open their young eyes to the myriad of career options in tourism and hospitality that offers global opportunities.
 
The Australian hospitality industry offers highly competitive salaries and benefits packages, making it one of the most attractive and rewarding career options. There are many pathways within the sectors that a young person could follow. Qualifications in this industry provide an opportunity to live and work around the world and offers flexibility in lifestyle and inspiration to harness creativity and business acumen.
 
The Centre of Excellence’s Tourism & Hospitality Experience (T.H.E.) Schools Days, profiles six career pathways including commercial cookery, venue management, front of house, tourism marketing, event management and outdoor recreation. Students learn from experienced local industry experts who shared their career journey that has given them the opportunity to work around the world and experience amazing events.
 
The first T.H.E. Schools Day was held in the Shoalhaven at Cupitt’s Estate in Milton and attracted 48 Year 9, 10 and 11 high school students who are studying hospitality or business at their respective schools.
 
Following the event, the students rated the day very highly with 88 percent indicating that they would consider a job in tourism and hospitality.
 
One of the teachers who attended the day commented, “Students wanted to speak about careers within these industries as soon as we got back. Lots of SBAT (School-based Apprenticeships/Traineeships) conversations. I found that each session went for the right amount of time, were engaging and showcased the breadth of opportunities available and how each area interlinks.  I think the day was immaculately organised.”
 
A second T.H.E. Schools Day was held at Oaks Ranch at Mossy Point attended by 40 students from three high schools in the Eurobodalla.
 
Prior the School Day events, the Centre of Excellence surveyed tourism and hospitality operators in the Shoalhaven, Bega Valley and Eurobodalla.

Wine & Spirit Education Trust Courses

The final Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Levels 2 and 3 concluded in June with a total of 85 completing the WSET level 2 courses and 10 completing the WSET level 3 course from across the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and the Bega Valley.
 
These new skills will deliver a well-informed workforce that will provide high quality service at local restaurants, clubs, hotels and wineries located on the NSW South Coast and this will enhance the visitor experience in the region.

What’s Coming Up in July

 

Tourism and Hospitality Experience (THE) Schools Day Programs

Another T.H.E Schools Day will be held in the Bega Valley at Oaklands in Pambula on 26 July 2023.

What’s Coming Up in August & September

 

Introduction to Australian Wines Course

The Centre of Excellence will be offering an Introduction to Australian Wines course which is targeted to entry level employees working in tourism and hospitality. 
 
This is a nine-week online course is designed for people currently working in the industry who want to learn more about the Australian wine industry. The course will cover in-depth information on all the major wine-growing regions as well as outlining Australian wine history, viticulture, winemaking and future trends.
 
Registrations to participate in the course will be limited. Details of how to register for the course will be circulated soon.

Other Skills Training and Education

TAFE NSW

Upcoming RSA & RCG courses at TAFE NSW Batemans Bay

Responsible Service of Alcohol (SITSS00071)
  • When: Thursday 29th June, 9am to 3:30pm
  • Cost: $165
  • Enrol now
Provide Responsible Gambling Services (900-81225)
  • When: Friday 30th June, 9am to 3:30pm
  • Cost: $140
  • Enrol here


Certificate II in Cookery (SIT20421) at Ulladulla TAFE Campus
Beginning semester two, just 2 days per week for 18 weeks.
It is an excellent pathway course to work in kitchen operations in places like restaurants, hotels, catering operations, clubs, pubs, cafes, and coffee shops; and even institutions such as aged care facilities, hospitals, prisons, and schools. It is also a great introduction and taster towards the Certificate III in Cookery Trade Qualification if you wish to take on an apprenticeship.

Visit course page for further information and to enrol.


Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622) at Nowra TAFE Campus
Full-time or part-time course and will be commencing on or around Monday 17 July, the start date will be finalised shortly. This course will provide students will all of the skills and knowledge required to work in the hospitality industry, gives them the social and communications skills to work in the hospitality industry, plus it can lead to job opportunities in the hospitality industry for them. 

Visit course page for further information and to enrol.

 . . .

NSW First Program

Destination NSW delivers the NSW First Program to assist tourism businesses across the state to develop, promote and sell their tourism products.

It includes face to face workshops and online webcasts that offer ‘how-to’ insights on a range of topics for the tourism industry, with events regularly added to the calendar.

Find out more and view on demand webcasts on the Destination NSW website.

For assistance with the NSW First Program and to discuss your business’ needs, please contact the Industry Development Manager at your Destination Network:

For Shoalhaven operators:
Aaron Matis
Destination Sydney Surrounds South
[email protected]
For Eurobodalla & Bega Valley operators:
Jenny Robb
Destination Southern NSW
[email protected]
. . .

Business Connect

Looking for support in running your business? Find and book a Business Connect webinar or event from business experts. Develop your business skills and help your business achieve its potential. Visit the Business Connect website for further details.

We welcome any feedback on our programs the Centre of Excellence and any ideas that could be considered to develop and grow tourism and hospitality on the NSW South Coast.

Speak soon,
Robyn and Sam

 
Robyn Johnson
Manager Skills and Opportunities
[email protected]
 
Sam Tooley
Industry Partnerships Specialist
[email protected]
 
This Local Economic Recovery project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the New South Wales Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Images: (1-4) T.H.E. Schools Day Shoalhaven, held at Cupitt’s Estate.