Peak industry body, the Accommodation Association, yesterday announced an investment of over $5.6 million from the Andrews Labor Government to support paid training for up to 400 priority cohort jobseekers as part of a new Accommodation Association Victorian Jobs program.

Key Victorian members of the Accommodation Association joined Minister for Industry Support, Recovery and Business Precincts Ben Carroll at Voco Melbourne Central to announce the multimillion dollar state government investment in staff training, which will place up to 400 candidates within regional and metropolitan member properties for at least 12 months of secure employment.

The Accommodation Association Victorian Jobs program fills a unique need in the employment market as it will be accessible to all priority cohort job seekers across Victoria and provide practical training on hotel premises. Positions will prioritise groups traditionally more vulnerable to unemployment or insecure work.

Once fully trained, candidates will be placed within member properties to address their critical staffing needs, while candidates will also benefit from the inclusive and engaging work environments and opportunities for personal growth that only careers in accommodation can provide.

The Accommodation Association Victorian Jobs program is supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund. Jobs Victoria supports people looking for work and connects employers with the staff they need. Candidates can express their interest using this link.

Quote attributable to Accommodation Association President Leanne Harwood: 

“This funding for our program is a win for jobseekers, our industry members and Victorian tourists.”

“The Accommodation Association Victorian Jobs program is an evolution of our existing and extensive employment pathway solutions for industry, and this significant and welcome funding will support the training of up to 400 skilled workers across our metro and regional member properties.”

“I thank the Victorian government for recognising the value of the tailored training that’s part and parcel of our programs, which are uniquely suited to closing the gap between demand and supply for skilled staff in our industry. Our Accommodation Association Victorian Jobs program will maximise the return on the state government investment by matching the right people to the right member property jobs, nurturing long term careers for candidates who need them most.”

“We look forward to working together with our valued members on even more industry led employment solutions to meet our recruitment needs.”

Quotes attributable to Accommodation Association Chief Operating Officer, Cassandra Champion:

“I warmly thank Minister Carroll and Minster Pulford for giving their stamp of approval for our Accommodation Association Victorian Jobs program that will provide great outcomes for both industry and jobseekers and changes hundreds of lives.”

“Accommodation Association employment pathways are designed to meet the needs of both jobseekers and our members, because our industry is so incredibly diverse in nature. No two properties are the same and neither are any two candidates. What remains a constant is that thanks to our members, every job offers a mix of longevity, inclusivity, flexibility and fun.”

“Our program is perfect for candidates who want hands on, practical learning that delivers highly transferable skills. Our goal is to give priority jobseekers across the state a foot in the door to an industry which provides them with a lifelong career in a role that matches their skillset.”

Quotes attributable to Accommodation Association Victorian Advisory Committee member, Stephen Moore:

“Our People are our business fundamentals. Many Melbourne hotels are opting to run at 60% to ensure they deliver the service guests expect, given there are simply not enough staff to  clean rooms, run breakfast, lunch, and dinner services, or even check guests in if they run at full capacity.”

“The principal business challenge for Victorian members is rebuilding our workforce. The hundreds of new staff trained through the Accommodation Association Victorian Jobs program means our members can capitalise on growing visitor demand and continue rebuilding our local hotel industry.”