Our tourism operator business skills program consists of three steps and includes a set of complimentary learning materials based on current accreditation requirements. Materials are presented in a form that will enable you to easily complete the accreditation documentation.

Step 1: Attend a Workshop

Introduces the program and the support services available. This face-to-face workshop introduces you to the smart forms which allow you to complete the accreditation process with ease and explains the technical support. Mentor support is available for operators who want to complete tourism industry accreditation. We strongly recommend that you attend an introductory workshop to get you started.

Have a look for an information session and workshop near you.

 

Ballarat	July 20, 6-7 pm York Room - Red Lion Hotel, Main Road	Introduction to the Program
Bendigo	July 21, 11-12 pm Emu Inn, 257 High Street, Heathcote	Introduction to the Program
Daylesford	July 22, 7-8 pm Daylesford Town Hall, Vincent Street	Introduction to the Program
Ballarat	July 27, 6-10 pm	Evening workshop
Bendigo	August 11, 1-5 pm	Afternoon workshop
Daylesford	August 12, 1-5 pm	Afternoon workshop
Ballarat	October 14, 1-5 pm	Afternoon workshop
Bendigo	October 19, 6-10 pm	Evening workshop
Daylesford	October 26, 6-10 pm	Evening workshop

Step 2: Start your flexible learning

Operators may start their self-directed learning at any time by choosing any segment in any order. Learn what you want, when you want, by using either the CD-ROM and/or by going online. The following materials will be available:

Minimising your Risks. This section covers legal, tax and risk management compliance issues. Learning materials include business licensing; occupational health and safety; workers' compensation; insurance and liability; charging and reporting Goods and Services Tax.

Insurance. Makes sure you have the appropriate Public Liability Insurance and puts you in touch with APRA accredited insurance brokers in order to meet statutory requirements.

Smart Business Management. These learning materials and examples will help you achieve your goals in business planning for a tourism business. This section includes your vision statement; goals, strategies and outcomes; financial planning and people planning.

Marketing Your Business. These learning materials and examples will help to articulate your key strengths and what makes you different from your competitors. Learning materials are designed to help you identify your markets; establish a marketing budget; and implement your marketing plan.

Looking after your Customers. These learning materials and examples will help you meet customer expectations. Learning materials include telephone and desk greeting procedures; bookings & cancellations; handling customer feedback and complaints; and customer referrals.

Operating An Effective Business. These learning materials and examples will help you achieve your operational goals. Booking; procedures for ordering and purchasing; contractor checklist; maintenance and cleaning are included in this module.

Looking after your staff. This section will assist you in the management of your full time, part-time and casual staff. This module includes effective recruitment and staff induction; personnel record keeping; legal obligations such as superannuation and work-cover regulations; rosters & timetables; and staff feedback.

Looking after your Environment. These learning materials include environmental standards for your business and working with your guests in looking after your environment; waste management, conservation of water and power; minimisation of damage to the environment and wildlife; and management of hazardous materials.

Step 3: Collaborative Learning & Networking Seminar

As this is a pilot project, we are interested in getting your feedback on the program. At the end of the pilot program you will be invited to an action-learning seminar in your region, which will bring together all operators in your region who were involved. The seminar will provide you with an opportunity to share your learning experiences, meet and interact with other operators you may only have met online. We hope your experiences will help us improve the program for future participants.

Program Cost A one-off fee of $140 includes a familiarisation workshop and access to all learning materials. The fee does not include any accreditation costs. However, operators that apply for and achieve (or renew) accreditation as part of the pilot program are eligible for a range of incentives and financial benefits from their local tourism office and the Better Business Tourism Accreditation Program.

Note

If you are located outside the pilot region and wish to join the business skills program, please contact Luke Harris on (03) 5327-9413 or email: la.harris@ballarat.edu.au