TFE Hotels team members are being given the opportunity to earn micro-qualifications as part of their studies through a new short-course portal developed in partnership with Torrens University Australia.

The custom portal, which offers a range of learning opportunities, is designed to build and nurture a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

TFE Hotels’ Learning and Organisational Development Manager, Matthew Peade, said the course comes at a time when team members are challenged to stay ahead of trends to deliver memorable guest experiences in a rapidly changing hospitality industry.

“Torrens University’s Smart Skill micro qualifications cover a range of topics from digital marketing essentials to championing organisational change and creative and critical thinking, allowing graduates to enter the real world with transferable skills across a wide range of topics,” he said.

“In addition, we are excited to offer TFE team members increased access to the wide diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Torrens University.

“With flexible learning options available, it means our staff can advance their education whilst still pursuing their careers within the hospitality industry.”

In turn, Torrens University hospitality students will have access to internships across TFE’s 48-strong Australian hotel network.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence within the hospitality sector and promoting continuous learning and development,” said Torrens University CMO and Head of Industry Partnerships, Darryn Melrose

“We’re proud of our long-standing relationship with TFE Hotels and it’s great that we can now support their commitment to upskilling their team members, while at the same time continuing to offer our students the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world experiences through internships.”

Over the past five years, TFE Hotels has partnered with Torrens on around six student placements per semester, with more than a quarter of these progressing into full or part-time work within TFE hotels across Australia and New Zealand.

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University alumnus Aalap Rammurthy undertook a practical internship at TFE’s Adina Apartment Hotel Surry Hills, and now works for TFE on a full-time basis.

“The GM at the time, Kristin Alderman, called me in for an interview and I was hired on the spot,” Rammurthy said.

“In fact, they offered me a full-time position and for the rest of my course, I juggled work, play and study. When I graduated, I stayed on because I liked working for TFE and I really liked the people. They’ve become like a second family.”