In an alliance designed to retain and nurture top talent in hospitality, Torrens University Australia, and long-time partner, TFE Hotels, have launched a custom short-course portal, giving TFE team members the ability to earn micro-qualifications as they complete their university coursework. In turn, Torrens University hospitality students will have access to real-world internships across TFE’s 48-strong Australian hotel network, which includes the only Australian entry in the World’s 50 Best Hotels for 2023.

Darryn Melrose, CMO and Head of Industry Partnerships at Torrens University, said their focus was on nurturing talent and future leaders in the hospitality sector.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence within the hospitality sector and promoting continuous learning and development,” he said.

"We're proud of our long-standing relationship with TFE Hotels and it's great that we can now support their commitment to upskilling their team members, while at the same time continuing to offer our students the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world experiences through internships.”

TFE Hotels’ Learning & Organisational Development Manager, Matthew Peade, said a skilled and knowledgeable workforce was critical in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

“The hospitality industry is changing rapidly, and our team members need to stay ahead of those trends to deliver memorable hospitality experiences. Torrens University’s Smart Skill micro qualifications cover a range of topics from digital marketing essentials to championing organisational change and creative and critical thinking, allowing graduates to enter the real world with transferable skills across a wide range of topics,” said Matthew.

“In addition, we are excited to offer TFE team members increased access to the wide diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Torrens University.  With flexible learning options available, it means our staff can advance their education whilst still pursuing their careers within the hospitality industry.”

Over the past five years, TFE Hotels has assisted Torrens University with around six student placements per semester, with more than a quarter of these progressing into full or part-time work within TFE’s Australia/New Zealand network.

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University alumnus Aalap Rammurthy (click for full case study) undertook a semester’s practical internship at TFE’s Adina Apartment Hotel Surry Hills, and now works for TFE full time.

“The GM at the time, Kristin Alderman, called me in for an interview and I was hired on the spot,” he said.

“In fact, they offered me a full-time position and for the rest of my course, I juggled work, play and study. When I graduated, I stayed on because I liked working for TFE and I really liked the people. They’ve become like a second family.”

Regional General Manager, Emma Soutter, said TFE Hotels was growing its story as Australia’s International Hotel Group – with a hotel in the World’s 50 Best, hatted restaurants and world-class venues including a bar rated #134 in the world’s top #500 – and, as one of the few Australian-based hotel operators, continued to offer great opportunities across a growing global network both here and abroad.

“At TFE, we’re headquartered in Sydney, and we seek out local partners like Torrens University, so that together we can provide strong foundations for future hotel leaders - like Aalap - as they forge their careers in hospitality.”