Honeysuckle hospitality school to open in March

Jerry and executive sous chef Danelle Onekawa in the kitchen of Redsalt Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers.

Hotelier Jerry Schwartz will work closely with the University of Newcastle to address a skills shortage in the region's hospitality sector.

Dr Schwartz's three Hunter hotels - Hunter Valley Crowne Plaza, Rydges Newcastle and Newcastle Novotel - presently employ about 1200 people in the region.

He revealed plans last September to establish a private training college that would offer courses in hospitality, IT, spa therapy and brewing.

Meanwhile, the university announced plans on Monday to open an international hotel school.

The first step in the plan is the university's new Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events which begins next month.

The university aims to eventually have between 150-200 students in the program and potentially establish a physical hotel.

University of Newcastle Professor Alex Zelinsky and Professor John Fischetti outside Crystalbrook Kingsley. Picture by Simone De Peak.

Dr Schwartz confirmed on Tuesday that the college, which he is a shareholder in, was also due to open in Honeysuckle in the first quarter of this year.

When fully operational it will offer courses in hospitality, IT, spa therapy and brewing.

"As far as construction goes, it's all done. The only thing we are waiting for is our final accreditation," Dr Schwartz said.

In addition to providing job-ready graduates, the college's diploma programs would serve as pathways to higher education opportunities.

Students from college and university will be required to undertake mandatory on-the-job training as part of their studies.

Dr Schwartz said he would meet with the university on Wednesday to discuss details of how the training providers could complement each other.

"They have got lots of good ideas, for example, they want to do a wine appreciation and wine manufacturing course, which works brilliantly because it will expose people to the different vineyards in the Hunter region," he said.

"They also have a strong emphasis on on-the-job training.

"It's something I totally support because you don't want to just have theory and no practical experience. I'm keen to help facilitate those opportunities in my businesses."

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky outlined plans last year to significantly increase the institution's offerings in hospitality and tourism, agricultural science and wine making as part of its plans to expand its presence in the Upper Hunter.

He foreshadowed new cross-institutional blended learning partnerships with industry and training providers.

"TAFE has got facilities at Kurri Kurri and we have got some facilities at Ourimbah. There's also some potential to do some things here (Callaghan) and in the city as part of the redevelopment. It would be spread across various sites," Dr Zelinsky told the Newcastle Herald.

The university is also working on a new partnership with Tocal Agricultural College, which is operated by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

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