Visa NZ is once again supporting young hospitality and culinary talent through its Hospitality Scholarship.
The Visa NZ Hospitality Scholarship has now entered its second year, offering an eye-opening experience for an up-and-coming hospitality professional. The scholarship, valued at $30,000, includes a five-day placement at a top international hospitality venue, professional development, a one-year mentorship, business training and participation in Visa Wellington On a Plate.
Anthony Watson, Country Manager for Visa, said the scholarship will be tailored to the career interests of the winner.
“Whether you’re working in the kitchen, front-of-house or behind the bar, this practical hands-on training, global experience, and access to mentorship opportunities are invaluable to the professional growth and development of hospitality professionals looking to propel their career forward,” said Watson.
He added that young talent can bring fresh perspectives and innovation to the hospitality sector, as well as contribute to its resilience and stimulating economic growth.
Joshua Ross, the winner of the 2023 scholarship, blew the judges away with his talent, skill and professionalism. Watson said, based on the standard of competition last year, he cannot wait to see the emerging talent this year.
As there are numerous challenges facing the hospitality sector at this time, with an emphasis on attracting staff, Visa’s support for this event has been vital, especially to attract young people entering the industry.
“At the outset of the programme last year, we worked with the Visa NZ Wellington On a Plate team to develop a programme to support industry development, attract and retain talent in hospitality in New Zealand, and to promote hospitality as a rewarding career path.”
The Visa NZ Hospitality Scholarship was created with these goals in mind, and to offer a truly life-changing opportunity for young people in the industry. The support of Visa NZ for young talent through scholarships and development programmes will help the pipeline of well-trained professionals and make an increasingly skilled workforce.
Visa NZ has a long history of supporting New Zealand’s hospitality sector, having been a key sponsor of Visa NZ Wellington on a Plate for 15 years as well as providing a secure way for businesses to pay and be paid. The Visa NZ Hospitality Scholarship has become a new opportunity to uplift the incredible emerging talent across the country, and to attract and retain more young people in the industry as they choose to take up hospitality as a rewarding career.
Watson said that the hospitality sector is a vital part of New Zealand’s culture, as well as an employer of over 165,000 individuals and a contributor of more than NZD 6.4 billion annually to the New Zealand economy. Hospitality attracts tourists who contribute positively to the economy and communities, as well as account for 20 percent of tourism expenditure in New Zealand.
“If we look back at Visa Wellington On a Plate, it’s worth remembering the original
catalyst for the event – to encourage more Wellingtonians and visitors to enjoy the
dining delights the city had to offer all year long,” added Watson.
“It was a strategically created event to entice locals out of their homes and support the hospitality industry in the colder months – and over the past 15 years, it has evolved to do that and more, having grown to become one of the largest food festivals in the Southern Hemisphere.”
As Visa NZ Wellington on a Plate has become a major calendar event that attracts visitors to the city and New Zealand, it has, in turn, supported numerous small businesses and hospitality venues.
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