Serving up skills for a busy summer season

news Date published 3 12 2021 , Age 3 years ago

A sell-out degustation dinner showcasing NMIT hospitality skills together with the regions fresh produce and wine was a welcome start to what’s expected to be a busy time regionally in the tourism sector.

Spokesperson for the hospitality and management students, Jay Hayrick, says the event was an exciting real-life opportunity for the students and they are looking forward to putting their new skills into action over summer.

While local hospitality and tourism businesses are looking forward to a busy summer season, there are concerns about staff shortages in the industry.

Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Ali Boswijk has expressed concerns about the shortage of hospitality talent available in the region as a result of COVID-19.

“While we are extremely excited about welcoming domestic tourism back, we need to ensure we have the right staff with the right skills,” says Ali, “NMIT hospitality and management graduates will be in great demand.”

NMIT offers a comprehensive range of cookery, hospitality and tourism programmes which includes hospitality and tourism management.

Throughout their study, this team of students provide catering and hospitality services at on-campus pop-up events, food-truck and the Rata Room restaurant and cafe. As students build their skill-level they also support local events boosting their confidence and understanding of how regional businesses work.

Flexible, blended study options include part-time and online learning making it easy to gain a qualification and upskill while continuing to work and earn anywhere in the country.

The certificate programmes are tailored to those wanting to get customer service and sales skills for direct entry into employment.

A range of shorter courses including introduction to espresso, food safety and a course for gaining your bar managers certificate are also available for those wanting to upskill specific industry skills.

People wanting to elevate their career and step up to a supervisory or management position can choose to study tourism, hospitality and management which offers a great way to streamline both diplomas in just 18-months. This is also a great pathway to advance your career as a dynamic manager and work across both industries.

As New Zealand begins reconnecting with the rest of the world, and international tourism returns, there’s never been a better time to consider a career in hospitality and tourism.

With a comprehensive range of programmes starting in 2022 you can gain the skills to work in or lead and run your own hospitality or tourism business.

Scholarships are available, apply now for 2022 nmit.ac.nz/hospitality-tourism(external link)