- Published:
- Friday 13 January 2023
The Andrews Labor Government is creating hundreds of jobs to boost the accommodation industry as thousands of visitors flock to the city for the Australian Open and other major events this summer.
Acting Minister for Employment Melissa Horne met with staff at the Quincy Hotel in Melbourne’s CBD to see firsthand how the Labor Government’s accommodation jobs employment program is helping hospitality businesses deal with increased demand and staff shortages.
The Government is partnering with the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAOA) to deliver a $5.6 million program that will fill 320 vacancies in housekeeping, food and beverage, events, and other accommodation services across the state.
Around 130 people have been recruited so far, including Elias Pearce who has worked as a food and beverage attendant at Quincy Melbourne for the past five months.
The 19-year-old had no previous work experience and had applied for more than 50 jobs before he found work through the initiative.
Elias received pre-employment training and obtained his Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate before landing a role with Quincy Melbourne, where he continues to receive on-the-job training and support through a ‘workplace buddy’.
Quincy Melbourne is part of Victoria’s growing accommodation and food services sector, which employs over 208,000 people.
The Australian Open expects to attract a record crowd of 900,000 over three weeks, with ticket sales coming from more than 30 countries.
For more information about the Jobs Victoria Accommodation Association project, visit www.jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Employment Melissa Horne
“Melbourne is the nation’s major events capital, and we’re looking forward to bumper crowds for this year’s Australian Open as well as all the other great events across Victoria.”
“We know accommodation and hospitality businesses are facing staff shortages, that’s why we’re supporting more people to gain new skills and get secure jobs working in an industry that Victoria is famous for.”
Quote attributable to Acting General Manager Quincy Melbourne Andrew Edwards
“The program has helped us to find people with the right personality, attitude, and enthusiasm for the role.”
Quote attributable to Quincy food and beverage attendant Elias Pearce
“The support I’ve been provided with this program has been excellent – I’ve felt accepted, supported and taken care of.”