As Western Australia’s hospitality sector faces a shortage of skilled workers, hiring an apprentice is a powerful solution to help address this gap.
Apprenticeships allow businesses to nurture and develop young talent while gaining a fresh perspective and new ideas. Ehlana Reuben’s journey as an apprentice is a perfect example of how investing in young talent can benefit both individuals and businesses.
FOLLOWING A PASSION
Ehlana’s passion for cooking began at a young age, helping her father in the kitchen and sharing meals with family. Her love for food led her to complete a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations during high school, where she met Ally Simes, Chef Ambassador at Hospitality Group Training (HGT), further igniting her career interest.
Now in her second year as an apprentice at Hyde Park Hotel in North Perth, Ehlana is gaining invaluable hands-on experience. From managing the cold larder and fryers sections to having one of her dishes featured on the menu, her apprenticeship combines practical skills with TAFE training, under the mentorship of seasoned professionals.
Like many young apprentices, Ehlana initially questioned whether cooking was a hobby or a career. Pressured to follow a more traditional university path, her parents were initially sceptical about her decision. However, through dedication and hard work, Ehlana’s passion for the industry has earned their full support.
“I love what I do,” she says, and she plans to continue in the industry for as long as possible.
EMPLOYER BENEFITS
Apprenticeships offer significant benefits to employers. By hiring apprentices, you can build a skilled, loyal workforce while fostering creativity and fresh ideas. As Ehlana’s story demonstrates, apprentices bring new energy, helping your business stay innovative and competitive. Offering structured training and mentoring helps apprentices develop skills while contributing meaningfully to your business.
Incorporating apprentices into your team means offering them opportunities for growth and hands-on experience across different areas of the business. For example, allowing them to take ownership of tasks — like Ehlana did when one of her dishes was featured on the menu — builds confidence and pride in their work. Regular feedback and support are key to helping apprentices thrive.
For employers seeking to enhance their apprenticeship programs, Hospitality Group Training (HGT) provides invaluable support. As the leading Group Training Organisation in WA, HGT offers nationally accredited training and recruitment services tailored to the needs of both employers and apprentices across the hospitality sector.
Other providers, such as Apprenticeship Support Australia, MEGT Australia and Skill Hire, also offer tailored apprenticeship solutions, from recruitment and mentoring to flexible training and compliance assistance, helping businesses build a skilled workforce in the tourism and hospitality industry.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
If you are considering hiring an apprentice, there are government programs that can help. These programs often provide financial incentives, such as wage subsidies or tax credits, to offset the cost of training and mentoring. Additionally, many programs offer resources to help employers navigate the process of recruitment, training and certification, ensuring both the apprentice and the business benefit from the arrangement.
For example, The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System is designed to encourage employers to take on Australian Apprentices and to assist with the cost of training. There are similar State Government incentives available, too. In Western Australia, there are subsidies available to help reduce the employer’s financial burden by contributing to the apprentice’s wages during their first few years of training. This makes it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to invest in developing skilled workers.
Hiring apprentices is a win-win: for businesses, it’s an investment in a skilled, dedicated workforce, and for apprentices, it’s the opportunity to shape a rewarding career in hospitality.
MORE INFO
WA Government incentives to employ and train
- https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/employer-incentives
- https://www.wa.gov.au/service/education-and-training/vocational-education/employer-financial-incentives-and-support