October 30, 2009Cementing its reputation as one of Australia’s leading hospitality training and employment centres, the
Hospitality Training Association (HTA) has reported a record revenue of $12.2 million for the 2008-09 financial year.
The strong results were revealed in the association’s Annual Report, which was released at its recent AGM.
HTA CEO Phillip Charlton says he is proud that despite the difficult economic conditions, HTA has successfully expanded its operations and delivered another strong surplus to meet the association’s strategic goals of supporting the training and employment needs of the industry.
“I am pleased to be able to report that HTA has weathered the economic crisis of the past year better than some, and we remain determined in our commitment to providing both our domestic and international students with the highest level of professional training and life experiences,” Charlton says.
“Perhaps our biggest achievement has been the ongoing delivery of HTA’s refurbishment and expansion plans. In this financial year alone we outlaid over $3.8 million on top of the $7.9 million expended in the previous year to ensure that our facilities are second to none,” he says.
The HTA has achieved a lot in the last 12 months, including the unveiling of the second stage of its $17.8 million refurbishment and expansion program.
It also became the only private registered training organisation in the country to be appointed by the Federal Government for 457 visas, and increased its students numbers by 31.2 percent.
“Looking forward, HTA will spend $6.2 million during the next three years on the final stage of its refurbishment and expansion program, which will result in five additional kitchens, lecture theatres, and major functions area which will seat 120 guests,” Charlton says.
As the largest trainer of apprentice chefs in Queensland, HTA provides industry-relevant training and apprenticeships to more than 2,500 domestic and international students each year.