Free online workforce training courses for Queensland tourism and hospitality businesses

As significant labour shortages and skill deficiencies continue to impede the tourism sector’s recovery, Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) and the Queensland Government see 2023 as an opportune time to launch a new tourism micro-credentialing program.

QTIC and the State Government have partnered to provide tourism and hospitality businesses and their staff with access to free online workforce training courses.

Eromanga Natural History Museum Operations Manager Corey Richards shares “with businesses under the pump, it’s very difficult to find the time to fill labour gaps, to train up staff and to onboard new employees with the skills they need.

“The micro-credentialing courses have been invaluable for the Museum. Our staff have learnt about customer service and how to increase sales, and they’ve been able to train independently online.

“The courses are helping us to work smarter and to attract and retain the employees that we desperately need.”

The program forms part of the Queensland Government’s $3.6 million investment to the Tourism Training and Skills Support Strategy, with $803,000 committed to upskilling tourism employees through micro-credentialing courses.

Access to the online courses follows a successful micro-credentialing pilot program introduced by QTIC and the Queensland Government in 2020.

Following calls from industry for greater skilling support, a suite of courses tailored to each of Queensland’s 13 diverse tourism regions have been released by QTIC. Whether businesses are in Tropical North Queensland or the Outback, staff will now have access to free customer service courses designed especially for their unique slice of Queensland.

QTIC Chief Executive Brett Fraser notes “we currently have more than 4,500 tourism and hospitality job vacancies to fill in Queensland. This translates to hundreds to cafes, hotels, galleries, and tourism experiences needing trained staff to meet consumer demand.

“The global pandemic has exacerbated the need for tourism and hospitality businesses to continuously onboard, reskill and upskill new and existing employees.

“The micro-credentialing program should be a game changer for our industry. Staff can be trained with industry and region-specific skills in as little as 40 minutes, freeing up time-poor operators.

“We’re anticipating strong interest in the free program. 500 tourism and hospitality businesses will be able to quickly upskill the workforce they need, and they’ll be able to improve workforce retention.”

QLD Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer adds “as a part of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032, we continue to look at ways to boost Queensland’s skilled workforce, flexible learning options and workplace practices.

“Micro-credentials is one of the ways we are effectively upskilling workers. The time and resources small businesses spend trying to fill labour shortages can add up as they take on every role they need to keep their business running, and this free Workforce Development Course will be a valuable opportunity for businesses around the state.

“Micro-credentials are a fantastic resource and I thank QTIC for providing a quick, effective and modern approach to upskilling staff.”

For more information and to register a business for the free micro-credentialing courses, visit the QTIC website