With a labour force shortage forecast for the hospitality sector by 2025, Toi Ohomai is focused on addressing the issue today.
New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Level 4 students, designed, executed and served a three-course meal to mayor Steve Chadwick and Rotorua district councillors at the Mokoia Campus restaurant last night.
Toi Ohomai head of department tourism and hospitality, Bart Vosse said a 40 per cent labour shortage in the industry had been identified for 2025.
"Tonight shows our councillors that we have started working towards addressing that need."
Mr Vosse said Toi Ohomai was focused on getting back to "grass roots" and identifying how they could deliver, in partnership with industry, what was needed. His department's new focus on reconnecting young Kiwis with hospitality training had already led to 130 regional high-school students from Year 11 upwards taking advantage of the flexible study options offered.
"It is not fair on hospitality employees, many of whom are earning minimum wage, for us to say 'stop earning, come and study, and hopefully you'll get the same job that we just ripped you out of when you are finished'.