With many projects in the works, Dr Jerry Schwartz shows no signs of slowing down.
Not only is he refurbishing the iconic Newcastle Post Office to its former glory, the hotelier and entrepreneur recently launched the Hunter Hospitality School and announced plans for a new brewery in Newcastle.
The multi-purpose bar and function venue, to be completed in 2024, will find a home at the Crossing apartment and retail complex in Honeysuckle.
The premises is expected to complement an in-house brewery in Dr Schwartz’s adjoining Centenary Drive property, which will also accommodate the upcoming training college.
The owner of the Novotel Newcastle Beach, Rydges Newcastle and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, as well as the Hunter Valley Convention Centre and Sydney Brewery at Lovedale, decided to team up with the University of Newcastle (UoN) to address the skills shortage in the industry.
The academy will offer courses in hospitality, IT, spa therapy and brewing, as well as deliver job-ready graduates, with the diploma programs providing pathways to higher education opportunities.
Dr Schwartz is now seeking final accreditation for the training college.
In the meantime, he’s in discussions with UoN to align the school with the uni’s Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events course.
“The emphasis (of the courses) is on practical training, as the Hunter and the rest of Australia are desperately short of job-ready hospitality personnel,” Dr Schwartz said.
“COVID, the closure of borders and numerous years of underfunding in the sector have all conspired to create a serious shortage in skilled staff.
“We are also experiencing demand in excess of 2019, as more Australians look to discover and enjoy their own country.
“The UoN degree and our college diplomas will place a major importance on developing practical skills, particularly in relation to the Hunter.
“So, gaining experience in the wine and craft beer sectors will be important as these are major tourism drivers for the region, as are events.”
The Cert IV course, offered by the Hunter Hospitality School, is structured to allow credits for the first year of the new three-year UoN module.
Students from the college and university will also be required to undertake mandatory on-the-job training.
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