The Adelaide Convention Centre has been named one of the top training organisations in Australia.
It won the top award for the services industry at the National Training Awards in Adelaide on November 16 and was one of four finalists for overall "Employer of the Year". In September, the Centre was named South Australian Employer of the Year.
"We train our people to international standards," said Training and Development Manager, Gair Bethley, "and at the same time we contribute - in a very tangible and practical way - to developing the skills base of the State."
Last financial year the Centre's 500-plus staff, including apprentices and trainees, were involved in a total of 35,000 hours of training, ranging from cooking and catering to audio visual, lighting and rescuing at heights. Its training budget represented 6 p.c. of payroll.
"We have deliberately developed and nurtured a training culture in the organisation and we're considered an employer of choice in the hospitality industry," Mr Bethley said. "Un the past year, we have received over 900 applications for employment and, in the past six years, have chosen to advertise only twice for food and beverage staff."
Both the State and National Training Awards were held at the Convention Centre this year. "It was great to have the opportunity to showcase the skills and expertise of our people to such knowledgeable audiences," Mr Bethley said.
Further information: The Services industry, as defined by the Australian Training Awards organisers, includes the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors.
Further information: Gair Bethley, Adelaide Convention Centre Training & Development Manager, ph (08) 8212 4099.
