Government congratulated for funding regime

29 September 2004

Government congratulated for funding regime

The announcement yesterday that the Government has set aside a significant spend for staff training has drawn praise from the hospitality industry.

The Hospitality Association’s chief executive, Bruce Robertson, says with shortages of skilled, trained staff becoming such a problem, the Government’s initiative should help immensely.

“It is helpful to have Government support, given the demand for skilled staff greatly outstripping what’s available, so this is great news,” he said.

“As demand for skilled staff grows it will soon become an imperative for hospitality to be regarded in the same manner as is other tertiary qualifications and funded accordingly,” he said.

The Hospitality Association supports ‘on-the-job’ training to meet the needs of both our domestic market and growing number of international visitors. Government help is critical but employers also need to take responsibility.

He said there was still a need for a more realistic view on the employment legislation, and that HANZ would welcome the opportunity to work alongside Government to ensure that the nation’s growing needs for hospitality services are met.

ENDS

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