Port Macquarie hospitality skills boosted by new partnership

Tourism and hospitality students at North Coast TAFE's Port Macquarie campus stand to benefit from on-the-job training with a leading local hotel thanks to a new industry-TAFE initiative.

The Observatory Hotel at Town Beach has signed a special agreement with TAFE to award annual scholarships to students in the tourism-hospitality sector. The scheme recognises tourism and hospitality as a prime industry contributing to the buoyancy of Port Macquarie's economy.

TAFE authorities say the key aim of the partnership is to build the capability of the hospitality and tourism workforce and ensure the sustainability of the local industry.

The education-industry partnership hopes to help actively encourage participation in TAFE programs and realise enhanced career achievements for students.

The Observatory's managing director, Mr Chris Denny, said outstanding students would be invited to join the hotel's workforce and gain practical experience for one day a week for the length of their course.

"Work-based or on-the-job training in a contemporary industry setting is highly valued by teachers and vital to students seeing their studies in a practical context," Mr Denny said. "On one day they might participate in a high-level planning meeting, the next they might be hands-on, helping in housekeeping or to host a function, for example.

"We will also be offering TAFE a guest lecture service as part of our agreement, for key Observatory staff to share up-to-the-minute industry knowledge with TAFE students and teachers.

"It's really gratifying to know local institutions and businesses can cooperate in this proactive way."

Mr Denny is also a member of the newly-formed Port Macquarie-Hastings Opportunities Board, a voluntary group working to enhance the region's economic development through tourism and major events.

Issued: April 30 2009