A skills shortage in accommodation services is being addressed by a new TAFE NSW short course, with students training to meet a growing demand for skilled accommodation managers.

Students completing the course are learning everything they need to know about running a small accommodation service, to become relief motel managers as people look for a break post-pandemic.

It’s the first time TAFE NSW has offered the accommodation services short course, with students from across the state signing up to complete the training modules online.

Dianne and Fred Collie, founders of motelsos.com, a service giving relief to hard working motel owners and operators, said the TAFE NSW short course was filling a gap in accredited training in the industry.

“There hasn’t previously been a course that is specific to the industry, and contractors are screaming out for trained motel managers to relieve motel owners or managers who want a holiday,” they said.

“There’s a shortage of trained people doing relief motel management, and this TAFE NSW accredited training will bring a new calibre of managers into the industry.”

TAFE NSW head teacher Amanda Glassop said people enrolled in the course were learning reception skills, housekeeping, conflict management, how to enhance customer experience, how to work with chemicals and how to identify hazards.

“The TAFE NSW short course is giving people an opportunity to learn the hands-on skills they will need to manage small to medium accommodation businesses,” she said.

“The students will complete online modules, before undertaking work placement with motelsos.com and their partners to put their TAFE NSW education into practise.

“There are lots of job opportunities in that space, whether it’s relief hotel management or a permanent position.”

Mrs Collie said skilled workers from all walks of life and ages were in demand to relieve motel managers across New South Wales, and Australia.

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.