Blue Mountains high school students have gained job-ready café skills at TAFE NSW Wentworth Falls, preparing to bolster the region’s booming hospitality industry.
Data from Jobs and Skills Australia shows that the Accommodation and Food Services industry employs more than 10,000 people in the Blue Mountains. With a median age of 25 years old for hospitality workers across the country, it is an industry that relies on a young workforce to continue to thrive.
According to the Blue Mountains City Council, the region attracts around 3.8 million visitors per year, a number which has increased steadily since the pandemic. This increased demand means it’s more important than ever to grow and maintain the region’s thriving hospitality and tourism sector.
To help future-proof the Blue Mountains’ workforce and maintain a strong pipeline of workers in the sector, the TAFE NSW Customer & Stakeholder Relations team collaborated with local high schools to deliver a Youth Engagement Strategy program in Hospitality and Café Culture at TAFE NSW Wentworth Falls.
Over the course of eight weeks, 16 students from local high schools, including Katoomba High School, Winmalee High School, Springwood High School and Wycliffe Christian School, have gained hands-on experience in the hospitality industry.
From learning barista skills to managing financial transactions, the YES Program seeks to set up learners for real-life work and support career pathways into the region’s cafes and restaurants.
TAFE NSW Wentworth Falls Head Teacher of Hospitality and Tourism, Ry Cunningham, emphasises the need to support young people to explore high-demand industries:
"By engaging with high school students, we can open up new career opportunities and teach in-demand skills, in addition to the regular school curriculum, to set them up for success in the workplace,” says Ry. "We know that the Blue Mountains has a vibrant and popular hospitality scene, so the YES Program gives practical training that supports both the students and the local industry.”
Sandra Kloprogge, Regional General Manager, Salter Brothers Hospitality, Blue Mountains portfolio recognises the importance of TAFE NSW in training the next generation of workers:
"Having a foundation of learning and preparation are crucial when entering the hospitality industry, where adaptability, customer service and operation knowledge is key,” says Sandra. "The TAFE NSW YES Program provides a strong foundation to position you to succeed and grow with a rewarding career.”
