- Latest cohort of Future Leaders Program begins training
- More than 60 participants completed program across metropolitan and regional Western Australia in last two years
- Part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy so we can continue to provide quality jobs and business opportunities for Western Australians
- Delivered by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, in partnership with Edith Cowan University
A new cohort of emerging tourism and hospitality leaders has commenced the Future Leaders Program, helping build a more skilled and sustainable workforce.
Delivered by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, and in partnership with Edith Cowan University Executive Education, the fully subsidised leadership masterclass in Perth supports emerging managers across the State's tourism and hospitality sector with a series of masterclasses.
Since 2024, the Western Australian Government has invested $200,000 through Tourism WA's Workforce Development Program to deliver the industry-informed initiative which retains, develops and strengthens the industry's workforce, who are vital to growing the State's visitor economy.
To date, the Future Leaders Program has supported 62 participants, including 24 from regional Western Australia, across four deliveries of the masterclass series, including 21 participants from both metropolitan and regional areas taking part in the latest series starting today.
Three series have been delivered in Perth and one in WA's South West, with travel bursaries provided to support regional participation and ensure State-wide access to professional development.
The four-day intensive masterclass program focuses on building practical management capability to foster a skilled and high-performing tourism workforce. Through executive learning including mentoring by industry leaders, participants build skills in decision making, communication, stakeholder engagement, change management, performance benchmarking and team leadership.
Participants in the program represent a broad cross-section of the tourism and hospitality industry, including accommodation providers, tour operators, attractions, visitor centres, hospitality venues and major resorts.
The program aims to create a sustainable local tourism and hospitality workforce pipeline and further diversify WA's economy by creating local jobs and providing a boost to local businesses.
Find out more at www.tourism.wa.gov.au/en/resources-and-support/industry-development/workforce
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Future Leaders Program is about backing the next generation of leaders in our tourism and hospitality industry.
"A strong visitor economy relies on strong leadership, and by fully funding these places, we are removing barriers and making sure talented people across Western Australia can access high-quality professional development at home, helping retain these vital leaders.
"This investment is helping build the management capability to support the growth of our tourism industry, create jobs and continue to deliver great visitor experiences across Western Australia through the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy."
As stated by Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Cook Government is helping ensure the tourism sector continues to create great jobs and opportunities right across WA.
"The Future Leaders Program is giving emerging managers the tools they need to succeed and helping to drive the growth of Western Australia's tourism and hospitality sector.
"There has never been a better time to start training. Alongside Free and Low-Fee TAFE courses, initiatives like this help inspire the next generation to build careers in tourism and hospitality."
