Global drinks giant Diageo has enlisted TAFE NSW and the Australian Hotels Association NSW (AHA NSW) to support their ‘Raising the Bar’ COVID-19 response initiative, offering three free online hospitality licensing courses for existing workers and new entrants to the sector.

The three courses: Statement of Attainment in Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), TAFE Statement in NSW Liquor Licensee, and TAFE Statement in NSW Liquor Licensee (Advanced) are targeted to existing industry members to upskill and to drive more workers to hospitality venues in NSW.

In 2020, Diageo Australia pledged $11.5 million to the Down Under instalment of ‘Raising the Bar’, through iconic Aussie brand Bundaberg Rum. The ‘Raising the Bar’ fund will invest $11.5 million over two years to help venues in Australia adapt and emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis.

Diageo Australia Managing Director Angus McPherson said the fund has already provided thousands of venues across the country with targeted support which includes practical equipment to promote safe indoor and outdoor socialising.

“The first phase of Raising the Bar supported venues with funds for much-needed equipment to re-open, such as hand sanitiser dispensers, temperature scanners and personal protective equipment,” Mr McPherson said.

“We are now excited to offer the industry access to free digital training through TAFE NSW to help our hospitality workers understand complicated legislation and compliance and support their business from the bottom up.”

TAFE NSW Teacher of Tourism and Hospitality Monique Fors said the free courses are delivered online and are available to anyone across the state who wants to learn how to comply and understand NSW liquor laws.

“These courses offer a great opportunity for people to upskill, whether you wish to become a compliant licensee, approved manager, club secretary, or simply require an RSA to secure bar and wait staff roles,” Ms Fors said.

“As the online courses are self-paced, they can be picked up at any time of the day or week, such as in between work shifts.”

AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said offering the industry free training in mandatory areas will ease a little of the economic burden experienced over the last 18 months.

“Support like the ‘Raising the Bar’ initiative is exactly what we need to help our hotels get back on their feet, employing people and contributing to the Australian economy,” Mr Whelan said.

“A large portion of this funding will see training for the next generation of leadership in the hotel sector. It will see managers provided with the same training as licensees and will vastly improve pub operations.”

The free courses are available until 30 June 2022. To enrol or find out more visit www.tafensw.edu.au/raising-the-bar.

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au, 0408 006866.