Free RSA courses aren't what's needed for the hospitality industry, say staff

The NSW state government will be funding the courses from February 7 in a bid to get more staff qualified and in the workforce.

Treasurer Matt Kean said that with over 300,000 staff employed in hospitality across the state, it was a critical industry.

"The hospitality sector makes up over 2 per cent of total gross value added to the NSW economy and supports more than 300,000 jobs, which is why we are committed to supporting this critical industry," Mr Kean said.

"By providing these free RSA courses we are not just supporting the hospitality sector during the current downturn, but are supporting the future of people who pick up an extra qualification courtesy of NSW Government funding."

Free refresher courses for those whose RSA qualifications have perhaps lapsed will also be available from February 7 until June.

Staff at local watering hole The Gem Hotel said that while it was a good idea, staffing wasn't the issue they most needed help with.

"We haven't really needed any staff since it's been so quiet, we've actually been sending staff home early," said Lilly Bordignon, a bartender at The Gem.

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"It's a great idea though. At the end of last year, we struggled just to cover the weekends, obviously there's all those public holidays."

"I think once entertainment comes back, it'll pick back up. We have people come in from out of town to stay at the hotel as well, but without the travel, we miss out on those," she added.

"We need customers, not staff."

The courses will be available through TAFE NSW and private providers who already offer government subsidised programs.

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