A small group of people from the region have recently been undertaking a tourism/hospitality program in Lakes Entrance.

The aim of the program is to increase awareness of the region, to be able to confidently inform visitors about a range of activities and places to visit as well as to learn about the region’s food and beverage options available on many of the local menus.

Another important aspect of the course is to understand employer expectations. The program has been designed by industry to ensure that it meets their needs.

“We know how busy the town is during summer and that there are employment opportunities available during the peak season, so we visited employers to ask about their needs and if a program based on tourism and hospitality is needed,” Pam Waters, program coordinators from the Gippsland East Local Learning Employment Network, said.

“Employers thought it was a good idea, they wanted to employ people with the right attitude who could confidently communicate to customers. They wanted them to be able to promote the region, their business and the products they are selling.

“As a result of these conversations a program was developed to meet the needs of business. We would like to think that this model can be delivered in other East Gippsland communities over the next couple of months.”

Tom Ponting, of Up Skill Gippsland, the tutor and course developer, said that several of the students had had preliminary interviews with prospective tourism and hospitality employers in Lakes Entrance.

PICTURED: A small group of people from the region have recently been undertaking a tourism/hospitality program in Lakes Entrance.