Article
Women In Leadership Hospitality Program
Media release – Tasmanian Hospitality Association, 17 May 2023
New initiative encourages and supports women to further hospitality careers
A new Tasmanian Hospitality Association program will provide opportunities for more women to assume leadership positions within the vibrant industry.
The Women in Leadership (WIL) program, which will offer five recommended education courses, is funded and presented by the THA through the State Government’s $8 million 2021 election commitment for hospitality initiatives.
WIL will assist females in accessing the right avenues to further their careers, as well as create a more diversified outlook and direction for the future development and benefit of Tasmanian hospitality.
A key component of this is the provision of 15 scholarship opportunities – lending to professional development opportunities for every career stage including entry-level, middle management and top-line executives – for women aged 16 and above.
WIL program manager Jess Gulliver said hospitality needs to be seen as more than a stepping stone to a longer career.
“The aim of the program is to encourage women to gain the confidence and skills to take leadership positions within the hospitality and tourism sector and tell their stories to inspire others to do the same,” Ms Gulliver said.
Having accepted the position of WIL chair last year, Sarah Courtney said the program will help open doors for women who have the passion to drive the industry forward.
“The hospitality industry directly employs more than 21,000 Tasmanians, many of them in regional areas, and I want to help ensure women are given the training, support and pathways to take on more leadership roles in this growing industry,” Ms Courtney said.
“This isn’t just focused on senior leadership, it’s about the entire span of a woman’s career to ensure that she can take the next step up.”
Aside from the scholarship opportunities, the WIL program will also include networking events and webinars.
“This program presents exciting opportunities for women within the hospitality industry to grow and advance their careers,” THA chief executive Steve Old said.
“The roles women play across the sector at all levels are vital. The THA is extremely proud to be leading the way with initiatives which benefit the future of Tasmanian hospitality and we are proud of the lobbying we did with government to prioritise this initiative.”
More on this program can be found at www.morethanwelcome.com.au/