Australia’s hospitality industry is entering its busiest period, with employers scrambling to fill positions as summer holidays and major celebrations drive unprecedented demand for skilled workers.
The Accommodation and Food Services sector, which employs more than 966,000 people nationwide, is experiencing heightened competition for qualified staff as the peak season from November through March approaches. Industry experts say workers with key certifications are particularly sought after during this critical period.
“From cafes and restaurants to clubs, pubs and hotels, we see a huge uptick in demand for staff over this period,” said Samuel Bohr, director of Hospitality Courses Australia.
He emphasised that employers are prioritising candidates with credentials like Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Conduct of Gambling certifications.
Largest employer of young people
The sector’s workforce has grown by 18,700 positions in the past year alone, representing a 2% increase, according to Australian Government data. This growth comes as the industry faces national shortages of bakers, chefs and cooks.
Hospitality remains Australia’s largest employer of young people, with 45% of workers under age 25. The sector often provides first-time employment opportunities, with fast food cooks having a median age of just 18 years old and café workers at 21.
The industry represents 6.6% of Australia’s total workforce. With customer expectations running high during the busy summer season, restaurants and other hospitality businesses are looking for workers who can step into roles immediately with minimal training.
Industry leaders recommend that both new and experienced workers obtain quick certifications in areas like food safety supervision and responsible alcohol service to capitalise on the seasonal hiring surge.
These qualifications can be completed rapidly and may provide a competitive edge in securing positions during one of the industry’s most lucrative periods.
