15 May ATIA push for skills and workforce solution May 15, 2024 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is actively advocating for enhanced support for Traineeship incentives as part of its commitment to addressing ongoing skills and workforce shortages on behalf of members. This advocacy is highlighted in ATIA’s recent submission to the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives System, where it calls for critical changes to support the training and retention of skilled workers within the sector. The submission reveals concerning trends, including an over 80% decline in traineeship commencements during the COVID pandemic, severely limiting the pipeline of skilled workers. Despite some recovery in 2022, enrolments in travel-related courses remained low, with only 1,090 enrolments in Certificate III in Travel and 650 in Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism, indicating a significant need for sustained support. Additionally, the demand for air travel is expected to double by 2040, growing at an annual rate of 3.4%. In the cruise sector, total passenger capacity in Australia is projected to increase by 42% in 2024, reflecting strong interest from both international tourists and Australians. These statistics underscore the critical need for a skilled workforce to support this anticipated growth. QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY INGRID FRASER “Addressing the acute shortage of skilled professionals in the travel industry through robust and responsive training initiatives is imperative. Our proposal to maintain and enhance traineeship incentives is a critical step towards ensuring that travel businesses can access and nurture the talent they need to thrive in a competitive global market.” “ATIA’s recommendations include postponing planned reductions in traineeship incentives and ensuring a long-term commitment to funding to allow sufficient time for the benefits for flow through. These measures aim to make traineeships more attractive and feasible for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of the industry.” “By strengthening our commitment to traineeships, we are not only supporting the current workforce but also paving the way for future generations of travel professionals. This strategic focus is essential for the sustained growth and success of the travel industry.” Related Articles ATIA Seeks Member Input to Shape Workforce Development Strategy The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has launched the “Skills and Workforce Survey” to gather comprehensive insights from members. Travel has a new home – the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) The Australian Travel Industry has a new peak industry body representing travel agents and advisors, tour operators, consolidators and wholesalers replacing the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) effective today. ATIA continues workforce engagement with migration submission The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is continuing to engage with the Federal Government to support travel businesses in rebuilding their workforces, with a submission to ensure key travel occupations are eligible for skilled migration AFTA’s National Taskforce for Workforce and Careers meets with Minister for Skills and Training With the skills and workforce shortages the biggest brake on Travel’s full recovery post-pandemic, The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Workforce Taskforce today met with Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon. Brendan O’Connor. New ATIA Directors welcomed at 47th AGM ATIA has successfully held its 47th AGM, with three new directors appointed at the meeting today for the FY25 Board. ATIA Advocacy - September This month we have continued to be active in discussions with political leaders in Canberra to progress key member priorities. The rebranding to ATIA has already proven to be beneficial from a political perspective. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.