The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) WA has welcomed the WA Liberals’ election commitment to invest $200 million in an additional 20,000 apprentices and trainees across Western Australia.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said with WA’s hotel and hospitality industry forecasting severe skills shortage in critical occupations such as chefs and cooks, new policy commitments to attract new trainees and apprentices are welcome.
“WA hotel and hospitality businesses rate addressing skill shortages as an urgent and important priority and COVID-19 has exacerbated the shortfall across our sector,” Mr Woods said.
“Financial incentives are critical for businesses to take on apprentices and trainees, making the WA Liberals’ proposed two-year incentive and retention payment appealing for many employers.”
“Additional support for apprentices and trainees to purchase tools, clothing, equipment and other associated costs will further support both young and mature workers.”
“As WA’s hotel and hospitality industry emerges from the impact of COVID-19, policies that support a future skilled workforce are needed.”
