Job seekers fill hospitality shortages

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Job seekers, including those living in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, are being trained and recruited to fill the gaps for hospitality businesses facing staff shortages.

The state government will invest $6.68 million into Jobs Victoria funding to support training workers for hospitality jobs in small to medium sized businesses.

Recruitment will run until September and create jobs for people from multicultural backgrounds, women aged over 45, Aboriginal people and people living with disabilities.

Workers will receive 5 days paid training, such as food handling, barista and responsible service of alcohol training.

They will also receive mentoring throughout the program to ensure they are supported.

Employment Minister Jaala Pulford said the initiative was a “double-win”.

“It’ll help jobseekers find work – while giving businesses the certainty they need with more staff to serve millions of Victorians flocking back to pubs, cafes and restaurants,” she said.

“Hospitality staff are in short supply – whether it’s front of house, in the kitchen or behind the bar – so we’re backing more people to work in an industry Victoria is famous for.”