Hospitality Crew: With the current skills shortage in the industry, how can that benefit me if I am a qualified waiter/ chef?

CRAIG FOX - Director, Wine and Dine'M Catering
I think the simple and most realistic thing is that you’re going to earn more money. For a qualified waiter there's no shortage of work out there. We've found ourselves as a company actually paying well above the award rate just to try and secure some good staff. So, if your qualified and you got experience, the world is you oyster.

LISA PRATT- Labour Hire Manager, Zenith Hospitality Staffing Solutions
The current skills shortage allows for greater flexibility for you as staff at Zenith we're an agency so the advantage is that you tell us when you want to work and where you want to work so it's about you choosing the hours that you feel comfortable working and fitting with your lifestyle.

WILL BRENNAN - Restaurant Manager, Chalk Hotel
There are jobs everywhere looking for people that have the experience
Especially, a lot of businesses I know are looking for qualified chefs. So if you are a qualified chef all you have to do is pick up the paper and I'm sure that there's jobs everywhere.
And as far as wait staff goes as well I’m sure if you look in the paper there a whole list of areas and companies looking for experienced wait staff.

JACQUELINE PORTER - Director of Human Resources Queensland, Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa
You know it really is a candidates market out there at the moment when it comes down to the skills shortage. There's a lot of people and a lot of businesses there that are looking for candidates, so really you've got an opportunity to sell yourself and you've got an opportunity to present your resume and in some cases also your terms of employment. Because some people have particular needs when it comes to those things. So, I really encourage you to think about what it is that you are looking for and be prepared when you are going into the interview.

DOMINIC EGGER - Food & Beverage Manager/ Executive Chef, Stamford Plaza, Brisbane
The benefits are here that you have more variety in jobs. What you can get, but the main thing is that you look at your future and your career goals. Where you want to be in the next 5 years, and we start to make the steps so that you get there, and to get all the experience what you need. It's not just the money which is important, it's important that you get the training that brings you to the level where you want to go, and where you want to head in your future.