Events are up and running, we’re eating out, and travel is back on the cards.

The problem? With a huge increase in demand and workforce shortages, many businesses in hospitality, tourism and events are struggling to find skilled people for the roles they need to provide great experiences for their customers and guests. It’s a challenge affecting businesses across Australia, including the west of Melbourne.

So, what skills are employers looking for, specifically? Here are some of the top skills that are needed in the hospitality industry – from cafes and start-ups, to global hotel brands, major events, and everything in between.

Many of these skills are transferable across other industries. And, who knows, you might already have some, or be on your way to developing them!

Small cafe with cofee machines

1. Culinary skills

Like getting in the kitchen, trying out recipes, or whipping up meals from scratch?

You could turn your interest into an in-demand career. Cooks and chefs are needed in cafes and restaurants across the country, as well as hotels, catering companies and other hospitality venues.

The demand is set to continue: chefs were named by the Australian Government as one of the 10 jobs that will be most urgently needed in the next five years.

What to study

Get ready for the kitchen and gain hands-on food preparation, food safety, meal planning, and knife skills with a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery 30821.

You can develop your culinary skills even further with a SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, which will prepare you for leadership roles in the kitchen, like head chef.

2. Food & beverage service skills

Do you enjoy talking to people, working in a busy environment and creating fun experiences for others?

Every day is different in food and beverage service. You’ll get to meet new people, problem-solve, develop your understanding of food and wine, and you can travel and take your skills anywhere.

What to study

To be legally able to serve alcohol, you can complete the Responsible Service of Alcohol SITSS00055 in just one day. If you’re not 18 yet, you can work in hospitality venues that don’t serve alcohol.

With the Certificate III in Hospitality SIT30622, you’ll learn skills in food and beverage preparation, teamwork, and customer service.

Waiter carrying food

3. Entrepreneurial skills

If you like taking ideas and turning them into action, you might already have an entrepreneurial mindset. You don’t need to start big to grow in scale (Airbnb started with three friends renting out air mattresses) – entrepreneurship is about identifying a need in the market that hasn’t been met, and just getting started.

In tourism in particular, there are huge opportunities for people who identify what people might be looking for – such as a walking tour with insider perspectives, or creating a local food app, like Footscray Foodie.

What to study

The Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management SIT50122 prepares you with knowledge in OH&S requirements, tourism information, people management and customer service. If you’re ready to advance your knowledge, the Associate Degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management will give you a thorough understanding of industry trends, and you’ll gain hands-on experience and industry networks through placements.

 

4. People management & human resources skills

Most CEOs will tell you that the most important asset their business has is their people. This is especially true in hospitality, tourism and events, where personal interactions can be the difference between a return stay and a 1-star review on TripAdvisor.

So, if you can recruit and motivate people to deliver excellent service, you’ll be well prepared to drive business growth in a wide range of roles in the industry.

What to study

The Diploma of Leadership and Management BSB50420 covers management skills and technical areas like finance, project management and managing business operational plans. 

With the Bachelor of Business (Human Resources Management), you’ll graduate with business knowledge, practical experience, workplace skills, and the networks you need to establish yourself as a successful HR professional, as well as accreditation from the Australian Human Resources Institute.

5. Event planning & management skills

Are you someone who gets excited about hosting parties, or planning the details of a trip away with friends?

If you’re detail-oriented, organised, enjoy being part of a team, and can work well under pressure, you can build your talents into a career in event planning and management.

What to study

Develop your planning, communication and organisational skills, and gain a detailed understanding of the event management process with the Diploma of Event Management SIT50322.

With the Bachelor of Business (Event Management) you’ll build industry contacts on placements while you learn, and graduate with the skills to create, manage and market impactful events, with a nationally recognised and industry-endorsed event management major.

african drummers at open day

6. Marketing & content development skills

Holidays, restaurant meals, festivals and hotel stays aren’t essential items (though some people may disagree!). That means businesses need skilled marketers and content developers to advertise their brand and services where their customers are, and create content that’s exciting, aspirational and inspires them to purchase, go out for dinner instead of staying in, or book a trip away.

From outdoor ads, to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) strategies to reach audiences on google search, through to curating content with influencers on Instagram and TikTok, marketers and content developers have a crucial role to play in creating brand awareness and driving purchasing decisions.

What to study

Gain accreditation with the Australian Marketing Institute, invaluable industry networks and hands-on experience across a range of marketing applications, as well as a solid understanding of business fundamentals, with the Bachelor of Business (Marketing).

Tourism sector will take time, but it will recover

7. Finance & accounting qualifications

Businesses can’t run without recording and reporting their transactions and keeping up to date with their tax obligations. This often means small businesses work with an external accountant, while larger businesses need an accountant or team of accountants working for them full-time.

Similarly, when businesses are planning growth, or managing complex assets and liabilities, they need finance professionals.

Working as a finance professional or accountant in hospitality, tourism and events means you get the best of both worlds: working in your profession and in a uniquely fun and dynamic industry.

What to study

The Certificate IV in Accounting is a 6-month course that offers a unique pathway into the Diploma of Accounting FNS50222 (also 6 months) – allowing you to grow your accreditations and earn while you learn.

With the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) or Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) you’ll graduate with business knowledge, practical experience, workplace skills, and the networks you need to establish yourself as a successful accountant or finance professional.

 

8. Digital development & IT, including cybersecurity skills

As the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic showed, every business needs to have a digital presence to survive in times of rapid change.

From small businesses that now require e-commerce functionality on their websites to process online orders, through to global businesses that manage enterprise-wide digital systems, professionals with digital and technical skills are in demand.

And, with cybercrime growing exponentially during the pandemic, cyber experts are needed in a wide range of businesses.

What to study

The Certificate III in Information Technology ICT30120 is a great way you get started: you’ll learn foundational IT skills and be able to develop basic web applications.

If you’re ready to go further, the Bachelor of Information Technology will develop your skills and experience in programming, software engineering and app development.

If you want to become a cybersecurity expert, you’ll gain hands-on experience in penetrative testing and ethical hacking with our simulated Security Operations Centre with ‘attack’ and ‘defend’ rooms with the Certificate IV in Cyber Security 22334VIC.

The Bachelor of Cyber Security is internationally recognised, and you’ll develop the skills needed for specialised roles.