subject: Hospitality Courses [print this page] . However, the ability of the industry to respond to the skill and knowledge requirements in an effort to retain and grow productivity is under jeopardy. These issues were identified in New Zealand as early as 2004 when in November of that year, the Business and Economic Research (BERL) Report highlighted the issues of skill shortages within the industry which posed a real threat not only to the current productivity of the hospitality and tourism industries, but also on its future ability to deliver on key economic goals and policy formation set by the Ministry of Tourism.
Skill shortages within this industry are not unique to New Zealand. As unemployment levels continue to decrease, all businesses and industries are competing for skilled and experienced workers, especially those who have completed industry related courses. However, local and national institutions and trade organisations within the hospitality industry are showing increasing concerns for business that cannot source suitably qualified personnel, limiting their ability to meet ever rising consumer demands, generate new revenue streams and experience growth.
In response to these concerns, many local and regional councils, along with national organisations involved with the tourism and hospitality sectors have produced reports and strategies in an attempt to combat these issues. One such example is the Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Strategy which was launched in 2006 by the Ministry of Tourism, in coordination with the Department of Labour and representatives from key industry associations and industry training organisations. The report surmised that in order to deliver on the expectations of domestic and international guests and achieve sustainable growth in the industry, it is essential that investments are made in people and skills, and in doing so creating a strong and adaptable workforce that can cater for all needs of the hospitality industry. The emphasis was placed on the role that workers in the industry have upon the ultimate success of the businesses involved, being the face and lifeblood of New Zealand tourism and being responsible with delivering the promises of a world-class experience.
Additionally, businesses involved in the industry are being encouraged to reduce the turnover of staff by creating workplace environments that reward skill, knowledge and experience, so that the best of applicants will not only be attracted to the industry but be retained through company initiatives of offering more enticing working conditions, learning opportunities and career pathways.
With increasing importance being placed on hospitality courses to provide the skills and knowledge required to fill the many component roles that comprise the industry, and with companies both large and small demanding a better qualified staff member who is to be rewarded for the skills they bring to a business, there has never been a better time to start looking at hospitality courses available in your region.
