Across Australia, clubs are rethinking how they approach staff training and for good reason. Rising levels of burnout and ongoing retention challenges are prompting venues to shift away from traditional, time heavy qualifications towards smarter, more adaptable learning models. The result? A stronger, more capable workforce and workplaces where people want to stay.
Gone are the days of long, one size fits all training pathways. Today, clubs are investing in short, industry specific programs that deliver immediate, practical value. Rather than sending staff off site for lengthy qualifications, many venues are bundling multiple short courses into single day sessions, or opting for on demand online modules that can be delivered in venue. This keeps teams engaged in learning without pulling them away from their core roles.
Training is also becoming more personalised. Micro credentials and short learning moments are growing in popularity, allowing staff to build formal qualifications progressively. This approach supports career development without the pressure of long-term study commitments and offers staff a visible path for growth, boosting motivation and engagement along the way.
Professional development isn’t just about skills, it’s about people. Continuous learning keeps staff engaged, motivated, and feeling supported in their roles. When employees see their club investing in their growth, it creates a deeper sense of purpose and belonging. This connection is key to improving wellbeing and reducing turnover.
Programs like Be Trained’s Future Club Leaders, blends a Diploma of Leadership and Management with industry networking which have made measurable impacts, helping staff see a long term future in club careers. Meanwhile, targeted online training like Managing Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace is equipping teams with the tools to foster safer, more supportive work environments.
Looking ahead, clubs are focusing on customised Job Ready Skills programs tailored to core business areas like HR, WHS, Food & Beverage, Gaming, and Marketing. These programs are designed to help new and existing staff feel confident and capable from the moment they start. When employees are empowered with the right tools early on, performance improves, and retention strengthens. In today’s fast paced and ever changing hospitality landscape, technical ability isn’t enough. Soft skills, like adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience are essential. Clubs can help staff develop these competencies by weaving soft skills into everyday training and fostering a culture that values curiosity, agility, and growth. A dynamic mindset turns challenges into opportunities and that’s exactly the kind of thinking the future of clubs demands.
One of the biggest barriers to training is time. With busy rosters and operational pressures, clubs can’t afford to take staff offline for extended periods. That’s why accessibility and efficiency are key. Offering short, digestible content in flexible formats whether online, in venue or during quieter shifts which allows learning to fit seamlessly into the workday. Training becomes part of the rhythm, not a disruption.
The strongest recruitment strategy? Being a great place to work. Clubs that invest in professional development, promote internal progression, and cultivate positive, ethical management practices naturally attract top talent. By clearly communicating their employee value proposition and showcasing a culture of learning, clubs position themselves as employers of choice in a competitive industry.
