Thinking about what comes after Year 12? Here’s something you might not know about careers in hotels and events.
Roles like Hotel Manager, Hotel Service Manager, and Conference and Event Organiser are becoming harder to fill, particularly in Western Australia.
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Melissa Harkins, Industry Development Manager for Tourism, Travel, Hospitality and Events at FutureNow, has highlighted ongoing shortages in these areas, with demand continuing to grow. |
This is reflected more broadly across the industry, with workforce gaps meaning there aren’t enough skilled professionals to fill these positions. Insights from the Western Australian Jobs, Education and Training (WAJET) survey reinforce this, identifying them as priority occupations.
In Western Australia alone, the tourism and hospitality industry supported over 120,000 local jobs in 2024–25, showing just how many opportunities are available.
What Employers are Seeing
This is something employers across the industry are already seeing. Belinda Austen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Holiday Inn by IHG in Perth, explains what’s behind the shortage of talent.
“These roles are becoming harder to fill due to a mix of talent shortages and shifting workforce expectations. The industry lost a significant number of experienced workers during COVID, and many haven’t returned. There’s also a perception gap, many candidates lack awareness of the long-term career progression and opportunities the industry can offer, which makes roles feel more temporary than they actually are.”
Is a University degree enough on its own?
It’s a fair question, especially when you’re thinking about what comes next after finishing school.
A University degree is an important step that gives you a strong foundation for your career. But what really makes the difference is how you apply what you learn. Employers are looking for people who can step into a role with confidence and understand how things work in practice.
That’s why how you study matters just as much as what you study. Some courses focus heavily on theory. Others are designed to give you real-world experience while you’re still studying.
When you graduate with a degree, real-world experience alongside it can help you stand out and step into your first role with confidence. Without it, your first role can feel like a big leap. With it, you’re stepping into something familiar.
It’s not about choosing one or the other. It’s about having both working together.
Why Authentic Learning makes a difference
Courses that focus on authentic learning help close that gap, giving you the chance to build practical skills through real-world tasks and experiences while you study. That could mean working on real projects, developing practical skills, or gaining exposure to how the industry operates.
By the time you graduate, you’re not just qualified, and you’re ready to step in.
*2024 THSA Graduate Employment Survey
What This Means for You
If you’re thinking about your next step, this gap in the workforce creates real opportunities. You could be looking at:
- A career in an industry that’s actively hiring
- Opportunities to work across global hotels, resorts, and event brands
- A hands-on, people-focused career
Careers in hotels, tourism, and events don’t sit still. Every day is different, and your work directly shapes people’s experiences.
For many THSA students, this is where it starts.
So, what comes next?
If you’re thinking about the future, it’s worth considering not just what you study, but how you study it, especially in an industry where roles are becoming harder to fill.
At The Hotel School Australia, everything is designed to connect your learning to real career outcomes, with practical experience built in from the start.
Explore our courses to see how it works in practice.
How We Support Students
Professional Learning Centre (PLC)
Our Professional Learning Centre (PLC) is unique to The Hotel School Australia and is designed to support students beyond the classroom. From career development and internship opportunities to resume support, interview preparation, and industry readiness, the PLC helps students build confidence and prepare for life after graduation.
Learn More about the PLC.
Industry Connections
Learn alongside industry partners and gain exposure to the real world of hotels, tourism, and events. Through guest speakers, networking opportunities, site visits, and industry projects, students develop valuable connections and practical insight throughout their degree.
View our Industry Partners
Careers
Explore diverse career pathways across hotels, tourism, events, and hospitality management. Our programs are designed to help students graduate with practical skills, industry experience, and the confidence to pursue opportunities in Australia and around the world.
Discover our Courses
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia, Recruitment difficulty for hospitality workers (2023
- FutureNow, industry insights (2025)
- Western Australian Jobs, Education and Training (WAJET) Survey
