Ballina RSL Club and Ballina Coast High School have partnered on a hospitality scholarship program called Love of Food.
The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding to establish workplace partnerships, a scholarship to support targeted students and mentor partnerships. The program will explore opportunities in all areas of the Club from the kitchen, functions and events to purchasing, retail, and business services.
“Our industry is one of the largest growing sectors and in recent times, it has been a struggle to get younger people into working in the hospitality industry,” Ballina RSL Club CEO Bill Coulter said. “We are delighted to have a strong connection with our local high schools to support their students wishing to enter the industry.”
Ballina RSL Club has been serving members, guests and the wider community for nearly 70 years and is one of the largest employers in the region with more than 100 staff. About 80 students, aged 16 to 18, are currently in the hospitality program at Ballina Coast High School.
Ballina RSL Club CEO Bill Coulter said the program was a great opportunity both for the club and the hospitality community.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to partner with the students in their education path in hospitality,” he said. “The club has some really highly skilled chefs that will work with the students in our premises and at the school in their kitchen facilities and offer the kids some real-life experience next to a real executive chef.”
While the partnership will continue as long as the demand and interest from students remain, it also aims to encourage future employment, as the hospitality industry continues to struggle with staff shortages.
“National tourism is quite strong so we’ve got a fairly strong team and we’re just gearing up for the future hoping that the young ones can come into the game as well,” Ballina RSL Club Executive Chef Stephen Mills said.