It would come as no surprise to anyone in the industry that sourcing and retaining kitchen staff remains one of Hospitality’s most glaring issues. It has always been the achilles’ heel in the food game.

 

I always assumed that things would improve through the natural course of time but the reality is that the situation seems to keep getting worse. The reasons for this are many and varied and despite efforts of business owners to show they are an employer of choice; nothing ever seems to change.

 

In fact, it’s almost as though the more they offer, the worse it gets. Well something needs to change or the horror stories will continue to be told.

 

What surprises me most is the reluctance of operators to do something different when all previous attempts have failed. Why continue doing the same thing again and again when the net result is identical to the last?

 

In kitchens all around Australia the same things are happening each and every day but it’s this time of the year that problems are magnified. For most businesses, the summer months are when it’s time to cash in.

 

The tourist season brings big business, lots of sun, busy days and long weekends. Unfortunately, it is also the time when kitchen staff seem to miraculously disappear.

After all, the sun is out, the cricket is on and the golf clubs have been dusted off.

 

In terms of recruiting Chefs, there is only one model that actually works- with longevity at least. Many still believe that placing an ad on a job board and crossing their fingers is still the way to go. It isn’t. In addition, the days of local recruiters advertising on your behalf and finding your saviour are also long gone. I’ve lost count of how many operators have learnt that the hard way.

 

Platinum Immigration source qualified and experienced Chefs from around the world who wish to come to Australia to live and work – yes work. These are not candidates with expectations of book deals and TV shows. These are cooks who’s love and knowledge of food started at an early age, most having learnt the basics in their family kitchen before even becoming a teenager.

 

By the time they hit their early 20’s they are experienced, qualified, and have commercial kitchen experience in a range of countries, kitchen types and dining styles. They also have numerous cuisine types in their repertoire.

 

They are career Chefs.

 

So, what are they looking for?

 

Quite simply they seek a way of life that is superior to where they originate. Most come from poor backgrounds and a life where hard work to sustain their family is the only thing they know.

 

They seek a life of safety, employment stability, accessible education for their children and the opportunities in life we are all lucky enough to take for granted. When these opportunities are presented to them, Australian employers benefit in ways they have not experienced before.

 

But this is not just about the Chefs. As a business owner, imagine how it might feel to know that for the next few years your endless and expensive searches for kitchen staff was over and being safe in the knowledge that your team was in place for years to come.

 

Sponsoring Chefs from overseas is the only method of recruitment that is sustainable for the long term and the good news is that it is not as daunting or laborious as some think.

 

Don’t be one of the many business owners I have met who have closed their doors due to a lack of staff. You have nothing to lose by trying something different.

 

An enquiry with us costs you absolutely nothing.