The State Budget’s $71 million dollar package aimed at providing more fee-free TAFE and VET courses was welcomed by Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW CEO Michael Johnson, as a step toward alleviating the chronic skills and labour shortage in the accommodation sector.
However, the CEO of the state’s leading tourism accommodation body said he was disappointed at the cut in funding of about $35 million to the Destination NSW Budget.
“This move is short-sighted considering the competition for the tourism dollar from other states – in particular Queensland and Victoria,” he said.
“Sydney in particular has 10,000 hotel rooms currently in the pipeline – now is the time we should be ramping up and promoting what our state has to offer.”
But, Mr Johnson said the sector welcomed the Government’s announcement of $71 million over four years for an additional 100,000 free TAFE and VET courses.
“These include 70,000 fee-free courses for young job seekers combining work and study through a traineeship – something we have pushed for as a way to address the skills shortages the accommodation sector faces,” he said.
“TAA NSW is currently working closely with TAFE NSW on developing specific recruitment strategies for young job-seekers including VET programs so any boost in this area is welcomed.”
Mr Johnson said other Budget positives for the sector included:
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