Five hundred jobseekers are being rapidly recruited and trained to support hospitality businesses facing current staff shortages.
As part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $200 million Business Stimulus Package, $6.68 million in Jobs Victoria funding will support workers to be trained for hospitality jobs with small to medium sized businesses.
Recruitment starts this week and runs until September, creating jobs for people whose employment has been hardest hit by the pandemic including women over 45, people from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal people, people with disability and young people.
Workers will receive 5 days paid hospitality training such as food handling, barista and responsible service of alcohol training, uniforms and tools of the trade.
They will also get wrap around support throughout the program including mentoring to ensure they are supported to succeed on the job and set up for a new career in the hospitality industry.
Small and medium-sized hospitality businesses urgently needing staff can access the pool of workers for roles with at least 20 hours of work per week and for up to 26 weeks to assist in managing staff shortages.
Jobs Victoria is partnering with the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN) and their Group Training Organisations (GTO) members that are coordinating training and placements of workers into jobs right across Victoria.
Daniel Vidinovski, owner of Untitled, has experienced staff shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and will look to fill bar and waitstaff positions at his venue in Richmond.
It comes as the $60 million Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program – which offers consumers 25 per cent back on dining and entertainment purchases – starts today.
The program is available to anyone with a valid Australian bank account, including Victorians, interstate travellers and international students. Each person can claim up to $125 in combined rebates for dining and entertainment. Rebates will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis until funds run out.
Hospitality businesses looking for staff and jobseekers looking to participate in the initiative can register their interest on the Jobs Victoria website by visiting .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“This is a double-win. It'll help jobseekers find work – while giving businesses the certainty they need with more staff to serve millions of Victorians flocking back to pubs, cafes and restaurants.”
“Hospitality staff are in short supply – whether it's front of house, in the kitchen or behind the bar – so we’re backing more people to work in an industry Victoria is famous for.”
Reviewed 28 March 2022