The Hunter Institute
Background
The Hunter Institute is the largest regional registered training organisation in NSW, operating from the Central Coast to Port Stephens, Newcastle, the Hunter Wine Country and Upper Hunter.
There are seven campuses that offer qualifications in Tourism, Hospitality and Events with over 4,000 enrolled students from entry level through to an Advanced Diploma. The Faculty also offers trade courses in bread, cookery and meat trades.
Innovation
Industry engagement has been the driver of change for Hunter TAE doing business, reinforced by the strong industry focus in the new SIT07 Training Package. Innovation for the Hunter Institute is about doing things differently, being as flexible as possible in delivery options through interpretation and adaption of the training package to support employers, industry and students.
Teachers and Faculty representatives are active members of all identified (key) industry associations, as well as Hunter TAFE initiated Industry Reference Groups. All Hunter Institute teachers undertake personal and professional programs. The Faculty is committed to reviewing and justifying course options, delivery modes, industry replicated assessments both on and off the job and a better understanding of the flexibility and options outlined in the SIT07.v2 Training Package.
Hunter Valley Hotel Academy
The Hunter Valley Hotel Academy is set on 200 acres in a pristine environment at the foothills of the Hunter Valley Wine Country.
The facility has on-site student residential facilities, conference accommodation, multi-purpose function/meeting seminar rooms and an on-site restaurant and cafe. There is also a wide range of student support services with modern library, counselling support, computer rooms, Internet, broadband, wireless technology, bush walks, BBQ facilities, landscaped gardens and a fully functional 10 acre vineyard and wine production facility.
Course options promote innovation at every level :-
- A unique 2 year Advanced Diploma in Hospitality management combined with a Diploma of Events
- Diploma in EcoTourism - specialising in Tour Guiding/Cultural Environment
- Diploma in Wine Tourism (a learning journey from grape to glass)
A partnership with the University of Ballarat provides a unique pathway option into a 1 year Degree in Hospitality Management (100% on-line delivery with up to 12 workshops on site).
Course Delivery
The Academy offers higher level qualifications with a unique integrated delivery model combining hands on skill development within the on-site operational conference, accommodation, function, restaurant facility.
Students undertake practical skill based training from Day one. The dual qualification two year program is demanding. The personal and professional standards required by each student reinforce the higher level skill and career orientation to support a multi-skilled practical work orientation supported by regular work practicum, assessments, multi-tasking and continual feedback.
Partnerships
Enrolments require one-on-one interviews to detail the professional and personal expectations for students. The flexibility of the programs allow entry at all levels combined with recognition assessments (RPL), independent learning options, workshops, workplace assessments, on-line delivery, and use of a myriad of web-based resources (including interactive CD's and moodle components).
Student programs and assessments at all levels are integrated into the practical operations of the HVHA Conference Centre and/or industry work placements with all major operators in the Hunter Valley Wine Country (Events).
Success
The key to the Hunter Insitute's success has been the strong support from industry and major operators across the Hunter. The Academy has an Industry Reference Board with representatives from Hunter Regional Tourism, Wine Country Tourism and major hotels, resorts and restauranteurs. They play an active part in reviewing and validating course content, delivery options and the reinforcement of the students and industry's expectations of personal and professional standards.
The Academy recently won an $8M Commonwealth Grant to construct a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and 150 seat Function Centre and simulated Tourism Office as well as an upgrade of the conference accommodation. Plans are in place to promote higher level culinary skills for existing industry, the region and internationally. The HVHA will be promoted as an innovative centre for environmental sustainability for Tourism, Hospitality and Events.
