Considering a career in hospitality

Restaurants, cafes and hotels across the country are doing their best to attract people into the industry, with an estimated 16,000 positions currently available in Australia.

"The labour and skills shortage is without doubt the biggest issue facing our industry," said John Hart, CEO of Restaurants and Catering Australia.

"At the moment, every singe restaurant could employ another person if the right one fronted up to the door."

While chefs, bakers and pastry cooks are in hot demand, there are also may people choosing a career in waiting. Those in the industry acknowledge that there is plenty of scope to make a good living as a waiter and also see it as a fantastic way to move up the ladder into a management position.

Like many other students, 27-year-old Joanna Ferguson from Sydney started working as a waiter while she was studying at university. Fast forward five years and she has just returned from a two-year working holiday in the UK where she managed the floor staff at Jamie Oliver's world famous Fifteen restaurant in London.

"When I finished uni I really didn't like the thought of being stuck in an office all day. I also met my boyfriend on the job, a chef, and quickly realised I was suited to the lifestyle and all that a career in hospitality had to offer."

After stints in various well-known Sydney restaurants the couple took the opportunity to travel with their jobs, with Ms Ferguson landing the position of Front of House at Fifteen. While she acknowledges there are plenty of financial incentives on offer, she is certainly not just doing it for the money.

"I really am passionate about making people's dining experiences better," she says with a smile."I love meeting people, I can be creative and every day is different and a challenge."

"And here in Australia we really are leaps and bounds ahead of most countries, particuarly when it comes to going to a cafe and getting a good feed. Our general quality is better than anywhere in the world so there is always a place for a good business."

With their skills gained working in the kitchen and on the floor Ms Ferguson and her partner plan to open their own pub one day on the Central Coast.

Mr Hart agrees that pay and career opportunites have improved and encourages young people to consider doing an apprenticeship or trainseeship in the industry.

"Jobs in restaurants, cafes and hotels are just the ticket. After all, what other career can take you to the best tourism destinations Australia and the world has to offer, while you are learning and earning," he said. "It's also about attracting the right people in. We want people who will stay with the industry for a long time, not just the short term."