South-West hospitality businesses seeking staff for the busy summer period have been invited to sign up to a new campaign to address critical labour shortages in one of WA's most popular holiday destinations.
The campaign was developed by the South West Development Commission (SWDC) to help the region's businesses tackle the task of sourcing employees ahead of the peak holiday season.
The initiative sees regional schools partner with local government and industry to boost the pool of casual hospitality workers.
"It's about developing a culture around the hospitality jobs that so many of us take while we're at school, or just finishing," said Mat Lewis, SWDC Manager of Trade, Tourism, Innovation & Creative Industries.
"We're working with all the local schools to generate some momentum with the young people in the region to embrace the idea of joining the industry and earning a regular income for the summer."
The 'ctrl your summer job' campaign is aimed firmly at young workers, urging teenagers aged 14 to 17 years to take up summer jobs in the Busselton-Margaret River region over the holidays.
Local businesses will receive the extra sets of hands they need over the holiday season, while local young people will earn money and skills for life.
- Alannah MacTiernan
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the campaign was a 'win-win' scenario.
"Regional WA is experiencing labour gaps, with the booming intrastate tourism sector placing further pressure on businesses," she said.
"This innovative campaign, devised by the State Government and backed by industry, local government and schools, aims to address the critical labour shortage in the Busselton-Margaret River region ahead of the summer holiday season.
"Local businesses will receive the extra sets of hands they need over the holiday season, while local young people will earn money and skills for life."
Partnerships with local schools including Margaret River Senior High School, Georgiana Molloy Anglican School, Busselton Senior High School and Cape Naturaliste College have been established as part of an innovative approach to creating a pipeline of workers needed to fill positions in cafes, restaurants and bakeries.
The campaign has been launched to students and parents via a social media blitz on platforms including TikTok, Instagram and Facebook that drives interested students to a website featuring easy to understand information and job opportunities.
The 'Hospo Gigs' website makes it easy for junior job seekers to register their interest in employment opportunities by eliminating the need for a traditional resume, incorporating an online form.
Both employers and job seekers are invited to sign up by visiting hospogigs.com.au
