If you are reading this article, you are probably looking at pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. Well, in continuation to the article on careers in Australia, we look at various colleges and institutes in Australia offering career-oriented hospitality (commercial cookery / patisserie) courses. There's more to it than this! I will be guiding you in selecting an appropriate course in your favorite city as well

Firstly, let's consider some important aspects before selecting an institute.

• Application Express Week for foreign colleges

An aspiring student should look for an institution that has the following:

~ Government accreditation & CRICOS registration

~ Recognition by the industry

~ Professionally qualified and experienced teachers drawn  from the hospitality sector

~ Practical training during the course

~ Real kitchens and equipment for practical work

~ Clearly mentioned fees & other costs

~ Educational pathways for higher opportunities in the same field

~ Job opportunities after the completion of course

~ Local economy of the city/ state where the institution is located

Now, let me take you through various Australian cities and the institutes there:

Sydney
Australia's largest city, Sydney, is built around one of the world's most beautiful Harbours. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are landmarks instantly recognised worldwide. Sydney is a friendly, cosmopolitan city with a wealth of art galleries, music venues, theatres, international restaurants and nightclubs.

Tourism & hospitality plays an important role in Sydney's economy, with 7.8 million domestic visitors and 2.5 million international visitors in 2004.

Colleges / institutes in Sydney

~ The Meridian International Hotel School (TMIHS)
~ Holmes institute
~ William Blue School of Hotel Management
~ Carrick Institute of Education
~ TAFE NSW
~ Abbey college

Melbourne
With its cosmopolitan and culturally diverse origins, Melbourne offers students a relaxed city lifestyle and an opportunity to experience some of the best cultural attractions and events in Australia.

The tourism and hospitality sector plays an important role in Melbourne's economy, with approximately 7.6 million domestic visitors and 1.88 million international visitors in 2004.

Colleges / institutes in Melbourne
~ Chisholm institute of TAFE
~ KAPS institute of Management
~ Holmes Institute
~ Holmesglen
~ Box hill TAFE
~ The Meridian International Hotel School (TMIHS)
~ Carrick institute
~ Melbourne Institute Of Technology & Hospitality (MITH)
~ Cambridge International College

Brisbane
Tourism is an important part of the Brisbane's economy, both in its own right and as a gateway to other areas of Queensland.

Colleges / institutes in Brisbane

~ Holmes Institute
~ Gold Coast TAFE
~ Kings College
~ Tropical North Institute of TAFE
~ Kangan Batman institute TAFE

Perth
Perth is the fourth-largest city in Australia. Perth being the heart of Western Australia in culture, business, tourism and retail services has consistent unemployment levels of less than 4%. As such, the city is drawing thousands of jobs providing accommodation for the many who flock back to the city centre.

Gold Coast, Queensland
The Gold Coast hosts over 830,000 international tourists a year and approximately 3.6 million domestic overnight visitors. Tourism is Gold Coast City's main industry, generating total revenue of $2.5 billion per annum. Gold Coast is the most popular Queensland tourism location with over 13,000 available guest rooms contributing over $335 million to the local economy each year.

Colleges / institutes in Gold Coast
~ Kings College
~ Holmes Institute
~ Gold Coast TAFE

So, if you're thinking of pursuing a career in the hospitality industry or an Australian education, PACAsia has organised Hospitality Week from April 28-May 4, 2008 where stidents can avail of a wide range of courses/ fast admissions/ zero application fee/ various scholarships/ huge savings and free services for studying in Australia for 2008 intakes.

The writer is CEO of PAC Asia Services, a study abroad consultancy. He is a permanent resident of Australia and guides students aspiring to study abroad. For more information, one may visit www.pacasia.org or call at 0172-4618383.