Hospitality entrepreneur, Dr Jerry Schwartz is teaming up with the University of Newcastle to establish a training academy inside a new brewery, bar and function venue he’s building in Honeysuckle.
Offering courses in hospitality, IT, spa therapy and brewing, the Hunter Hospitality School will aim to provide job-ready graduates and diploma programs that open pathways to higher education opportunities.
Dr Schwartz, who owns three hotels in the Hunter Valley (Rydges Newcastle, Newcastle Novotel and Hunter Valley Crowne Plaza) said the courses being offered at the school will focus on practical training and that all students will be required to undertake on-the-job training.
“Covid, the closure of borders, and many years of underfunding in the hospitality training sector have all conspired to create a serious shortage in skilled personnel for the hotel and hospitality industry, Dr Schwartz said.
“We are also experiencing demand in excess of 2019, as more Australians look to discover and enjoy their own country.
“The University degree and our College diplomas will place a major emphasis on developing practical skills, particularly in relation to the Hunter region. So, getting experience in the wine and craft beer sectors will be important as these are major tourism drivers for the regions, as are events.”
The bar and function venue will be located in the new Crossing apartment and retail complex in Honeysuckle. The venue will be complemented by an in-house brewery in Dr Schwartz’s adjoining Centenary Drive property, which will also house the hospitality training college. The Newcastle brewery is expected to be completed in 2024.
