The LHMU hospitality union in Tasmania is a key player in a new training program to deliver better and more secure jobs for young people in the State .
“Our union is constantly campaigning to defend casual workers who face job insecurity – this is just one more win for our campaign to improve Tasmanian workers’ rights,” David O’Byrne said.
“The LHMU has teamed up with the State Government and key employers to help reverse a skill shortage in Tasmania’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Want a place in the training program?
If you, members of your family or a neighbour, are interested in the training program contact the Tasmanian LHMU office in Hobart.
Candidates will be selected next month and training begins in March.
“The new Tourism and Hospitality Casual Employees Training Pilot Project is designed to allow casual employees to access apprenticeships and traineeships for the first time.
“The pilot project will allow casual hospitality staff to be reclassified as “flexible part-time” with protection of minimum hours to allow them to undertake industry training previously only available to full-time employees,” David O’Byrne said.
Initially between 20 and 30 candidates will be selected for the program and if the demand increases more may be accepted.
Job environment forcing young people out of hospitality industry
The LHMU’s David O’Byrne said the lack of a structured environment previously often forced young hospitality workers to seek work in other industries.
“Young Tasmanians trying to enter the hospitality industry and build a career have faced many challenges and one of them is a lack of a supportive training environment,” he said.
“Hopefully this will overcome that hurdle.”
