Australia’s Hospitality Industry Gears Up for a Comeback

After several years of uncertainty, Australia’s hospitality industry is showing clear signs of revival. With consumer confidence expected to rise in 2025 and inflation forecast to return to a manageable 2–3%, Australians are once again ready to spend on dining out, quality coffee, and memorable social experiences. This renewed enthusiasm is creating exciting opportunities across cafés, restaurants, and bars nationwide.

 

 

Industry projections suggest the hospitality sector is set to grow by 3.8% annually until 2035, paving the way for thousands of new job openings. Whether it’s behind the scenes in the kitchen or front-of-house delivering exceptional service, hospitality professionals with the right skills will be in high demand.

 

With this upswing comes a surge in demand for skilled hospitality workers. Cafés, restaurants, bars, and venues are all on the lookout for team members ready to deliver exceptional customer experiences. The top roles predicted to be in high demand in 2025 include:

• • • Waiters – essential to ensuring smooth service and customer satisfaction.
    • Kitchen Hands – supporting chefs and maintaining hygiene and efficiency behind the scenes.
    • Baristas and Bar Attendants – fuelling Australia’s coffee culture and nightlife with precision and flair.
    • Chefs – driving innovation and consistency in kitchens nationwide.
    • Café and Restaurant Managers – overseeing operations, team leadership, and quality control.

But it’s not just about filling roles—it’s about equipping workers with the right tools to succeed and grow. In this competitive landscape, those who upskill will be best positioned to land and thrive in these roles.

 

Upskilling and Career Development in Hospitality
To meet industry expectations and ensure compliance with regulations, workers need more than just passion—they need formal training. Short courses offer a practical, accessible pathway to job readiness and career progression. Some of the most in-demand certifications include:

• • • Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
      A legal requirement for anyone serving alcohol in licensed venues. This course teaches responsible practices, handling intoxicated patrons, and legal compliance.
    • Food Safety and Handling Certification
      Crucial for chefs, kitchen hands, and baristas working with food. It covers hygiene, storage, contamination prevention, and regulatory standards in food service.
    • First Aid and CPR Certification
      Increasingly valued by employers, especially in high-footfall venues. Having the skills to respond to emergencies boosts confidence and workplace safety.
    • Barista and Beverage Service Skills (optional add-on)
      For those specialising in coffee or cocktails, practical barista and beverage courses enhance technical skills and service finesse.

Each of these courses is designed to be completed in a short time—often in just one or two days—and can provide immediate advantages in securing a job or advancing within a venue. Many employers now prefer candidates with up-to-date certifications, seeing them as better prepared, more compliant, and more capable of handling a variety of workplace situations.

 

As the industry continues to grow and evolve, now is the time to prepare. Upskilling is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about building confidence, expanding capability, and opening doors to rewarding, long-term hospitality careers.

 

Ready to take the next step?
Explore Brighten Institute Australia’s short courses in RSA, Food Safety, First Aid, and CPR—designed to help you meet industry requirements and elevate your hospitality career. Enquire today and start building your future.