Australian Venue Co is looking to fill 500 jobs this summer with major incentives on offer to domestic workers, Australians abroad who want to return home and UK chefs looking to make a summer sea change to Australia.

The business will cover moving costs to Australia for UK chefs and Australians abroad with hospitality experience who are looking to return home. Successful applicants will have their flights to Australia, hotel quarantine and two weeks of rental accommodation paid for by the group, along with a $1000 drinking and dining voucher. Paid training will start online during hotel quarantine, so employees can hit the ground running.

AVC Chief Executive Officer Paul Waterson believes there will be a number of Australians who are eager to return home for the summer and to be home by Christmas.

“It’s been incredibly difficult for many Australians to get home, so we’re excited to support a pathway home for Aussies abroad who have hospitality experience,” he said.

For UK citizens, AVC will contribute to the costs for the Employer Sponsored Visa, to make the transition to working in Australia as smooth as possible. For some UK residents, this visa allows them to begin the pathway to Permanent Residency.

The group’s major domestic hiring campaign includes incentives, such as a $1000 drink and dining voucher for successful applicants.

Workers can begin paid training immediately, with online training available for workers during the Sydney and Melbourne lockdowns. There are roles available for experienced bartenders, chefs and managers, as well as plenty of roles with no experience required, for those new to the industry.

The combination of pent-up consumer demand post-lockdown, border openings, relaxed restrictions and high vaccination rates and the beginning of the festive season is expected to create consumer demand unlike anything the industry has seen before.

Mr Waterson has dubbed the upcoming season “The Summer of Fun.” He said, “Australians – particularly those in Sydney and Melbourne – are absolutely overdue a good time. We see huge demand every time we come out of lockdown, and we expect this summer to be even bigger. People are ready for some fun!”

He acknowledges that the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the industry and has led to staff shortages but has a positive outlook for the future.

“It’s been an incredibly stressful two years for people working in the industry, but I want people to know that hospitality has a bright future in Australia. We’re extremely confident in this summer and we’re hiring people now for it” he said.

“No matter where you are in Australia, your hospitality career doesn’t have to be on hold right now. You can make your next career move today and start now with AVC. Whether you have 10+ years of experience or no experience at all, we have a job for you.”

The Summer of Fun hiring drive is looking to fill roles in major cities & regional areas across Australia, including:

  • Major Cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide
  • Beach Towns & Tourist Destinations: Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darwin
  • Country Towns in Regional Victoria & NSW

Australian Venue Co prides itself on its portfolio of more than 170 unique and individual pub, bar and event venues across Australia. The group’s approach is to encourage local leadership and to tailor venues to local community tastes, supported by the group’s centralised support office, including HR, finance and marketing.

More information on the Summer of Fun recruitment drive is available here.

Pictured above: Evan Dickson at the Local in Port Melbourne.

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