WITH an abundance of career opportunities in the hospitality industry, The Gordon\u2019s hospitality traineeships are supporting local businesses to find and nurture home grown talent.<\/p>\n
Traineeships are delivered in the workplace similar to an apprenticeship.<\/p>\n
For trainees like Michelle Grinter, they learn on the job with workplace mentors sharing their expertise to advance their progress.<\/p>\n
Their learning is supported with monthly visits from The Gordon\u2019s hospitality teachers, who ensure course work is up to date and improvement is continuous.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt really is a win-win for both employers and the trainees,\u201d said Amanda Costanzo from The Gordon Culinary School.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe restaurants and cafes boost their workforce and the students are earning whilst they learn,\u201d she said<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are great government incentives out there too, covering 50 per cent of wages, so there has never been a better time to take on a hospitality trainee.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know staff shortages have impacted our region, so having staff trained on-site is really beneficial for employers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can also customise training for each venue. For example, Clariboux at Curlewis needs more refined dining skills, whereas our trainees at Flying Brick Cider House needs are more suited to casual dining.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lyndsay Sharp, owner Curlewis Golf Club Bellarine and Flying Brick Cider House said, \u201cThe traineeship program in collaboration with The Gordon strengthens the hospitality industry and provides a positive pathway into a timely and rewarding career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Grinter, who has taken up her traineeship at the Curlewis Golf Course Bellarine, said she always wanted to learn those extra hospitality skills you acquire through formalised training.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really wanted to gain more fine dining skills. What you need to know in this industry is changing all the time, and so the traineeship I am halfway through allowed me to update my skills continually,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love my job. I\u2019m learning all the time. The coursework is not onerous at all and the best thing about my job is the customers. Every morning, members come in for their morning coffee before they hit the course.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a great place to work and the camaraderie, mentoring and support I get from the team is amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jamie Brigden, General Manager of Curlews Golf Club Bellarine and The Range at Curlewis, said, \u201cTraineeships offer more than just a job. They allow trainees to truly immerse themselves in the role, gain real hands-on training and all the while being mentored and guided by industry professionals.\u201d<\/p>\n