Hospitality Business Magazine

New partnership unveils skill-boosting NZQA hospitality courses

Queenstown Resort College and Hospitality New Zealand have announced a range of NZQA approved ‘micro-credential’ courses for those in or just starting out, in the hospitality industry.

The organisations have partnered to develop and provide courses designed to elevate hospitality skills, expertise and professionalism.

These will be delivered through Grow Tourism, the professional development platform offering bite-sized blended learning for those in the tourism and hospitality industry. These courses will be delivered as part of the Grow Tourism Elevate – powered by the QRC & Hospitality NZ, initiative.

Queenstown Resort College Chief Executive, Charlie Phillips, says the partnership is significant.

“These [micro-credential] courses have been designed in conjunction with industry to increase capability for their workforce and the end result will mean all staff will have the opportunity to develop their skill sets, translating to many benefits, including increased staff retention.”

The courses include an in-person workshop, and can then be completed online either in-work or at home. The topics range from cultural capability for the services sector, planning for resilience, responsible gambling and harm minimisation management, to an introductory course to wine, beer and cider tasting.

Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive, Steve Armitage says: “These courses will provide another avenue to attract and retain the hospitality workforce. They also provide opportunities for those in the industry to learn and upskill at a time that’s convenient to them – giving them the development opportunities and recognition they deserve.”

Grow Tourism Founder, Alex Dykman says becoming the delivery partner for these courses is a great fit: “Grow Tourism is a platform helping to equip our workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to power the visitor economy of tomorrow.

“We’re looking forward to delivering these bite-sized learning experiences throughout Aotearoa.”

The micro-credential courses will be released in phases on Grow Tourism throughout the second half of 2024.