Hospitality internships in Federal Government’s PaTH plan
The Federal Government’s youth employment PaTH program, as in Prepare, Trial, Hire, could provide young unemployed people with access to up to 10,000 internships in pubs and clubs around Australia.
The scheme, unveiled by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today ahead of a Cabinet meeting in Perth, has seen the Federal government securing a commitment from the Australian Hotels Association to give 10,000 young people across the country internships in the hospitality sector.
PaTH is designed to provide businesses with financial incentives to take on unemployed young people in an attempt and get them off welfare and into a paid job.
“Getting young Australians into gainful employment as early as possible is critical to ensuring they become valuable contributors to both our society and economy,” Mr Turnbull told The West Australian.
“This is why we have an unwavering focus on implementing policies that give young people the skills and experience they need.”
AHA (WA) chief executive officer Bradley Woods said his group was committed to supporting the internships.
“Getting a start in the world of employment is always hard, but PaTH offers a much-needed boost, which is just what so many young people want and need. Financial support for both young people and business provides a platform for positive long-term employment outcomes,” Mr Woods said.
“There are many senior hotel and hospitality owners and managers across Australia who started out in trainee and internship positions, and worked hard to build successful careers.
We need to encourage our youth to see career pathways in the hospitality industry, especially at a time when Australia is experiencing positive tourism growth that is only going to drive the demand for jobs in accommodation and food services.”
He said his group would promote opportunities to employers and facilitate and delivering employability skills training.
It would also collaborate with other employability skills training providers, job active providers and the Department of Employment.
“By providing incentives and support to both the job seeker and employer, this program can help Australia overcome some of the skills shortages we are experiencing, including chef and waiter occupations,” Mr Woods said.
by Leon Gettler, August 1st 2017
