Nyngan local and TAFE NSW student, Nicholas Beetson is encouraging other career starters to consider a promising future in hospitality as newly released figures reveal a high demand for hospitality workers in Western NSW.

According TAFE NSW research, employers in Western NSW have identified hospitality as the most difficult industry to recruit for, because there is a shortage of skilled workers making demand for qualified employees high and opportunities aplenty. NSW Government statistics also reveal that the accommodation and food services industry is classed as one of the top five growth industries across the country, with 300,000 regional workers employed in the industry annually.

After trying his hand as a labourer and working in a bakery, Mr Beetson was still looking for some career direction. By enrolling in a Certificate III in Hospitality at TAFE NSW Nyngan through TAFE Western Connect, he discovered a love for the hospitality industry, which has led to an exciting management role at Nyngan Gold Club.

“I really enjoyed studying at TAFE NSW and found that my confidence and skills grew as a result of the course,” Mr Beetson said.

“I decided to try and learn all that I could by fine tuning my skills in a Certificate IV in Hospitality and a Statement of Attainment in Hospitality Essentials.

“Studying through TAFE Western Connect allowed me to study from Nyngan which meant I didn’t have to travel to Dubbo to undertake the course. The TAFE NSW mobile training unit came to Nyngan and allowed me to learn hands-on skills such as how to operate a coffee machine and food handling and safety which I am able to use in my role at Nyngan Gold Club.”

Nyngan Golf Club Treasurer, Tara McDermott, said Nicholas was a well-respected team member at Nyngan Golf Club.

“Nicholas has worked at the Golf Club for nearly two years, he originally started as a bar attendant and is now the Bar Manager.

“He has a strong work ethic and has developed a good rapport with members and guests. Nicholas consistently applies the skills he has learnt at TAFE NSW, to the workplace.”

Mr Beetson added, “I’ve finally found a career that I am passionate about and the job-ready skills I have learnt at TAFE NSW have helped me get a job and progress my career at Nyngan Golf Club where I plan to work for many years to come.

To find out more about studying hospitality at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515