The Future of our Industry Service Industries Service industries make up a large proportion of the economy, accounting for over two-thirds of GDP. The sector recorded strong growth between 2000 and 2007, with annual growth averaging 3.8%. As the New Zealand economy entered recession in 2008, services growth slowed, but not to the extent of other sectors. With the services sector expanding at a more rapid rate than other areas of the economy, the sector has increased its share of GDP from 66% in 2004 to 71% in Export-related activities such as tourism and primary sector services inputs play an important part in trends in this sector. htm

New Zealand’s large and vibrant hospitality industry employs around 126,000 people. That’s nearly seven per cent of the workforce, working in more than 18,000 businesses around the country, so a career in hospitality is possible across a wide variety of workplaces. The hospitality industry includes cafés, bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, through to hotels, motels, backpackers, hostels, holiday parks, lodges, resorts, and halls of residence. Food service, traditionally called catering, whether in hospitals, residential care, prisons, schools and universities, offices, airports, factories, or stadium and event catering is another part of the mix. Quick service restaurants, often called fast-food outlets, and clubs - sport and recreation clubs, social clubs, working men’s clubs, cosmopolitan clubs– are two other parts that make up this multi-faceted industry. Hospitality is very much a people business, so good social and communication skills are key; employers are looking for personality and enthusiasm too. Experience is not always essential if these attributes are shown. A can-do, positive attitude is very important, and is always a good base to build hospitality - specific skills on. Skills learnt in hospitality - working with people, teamwork, sales and problem solving - are the foundation skills for any successful career. There are many career pathways and opportunities in the New Zealand hospitality industry - from baristas to chefs, waiters, bartenders and maitre d’s, and from housekeepers to supervisors, front-line managers and more. Skill training is available for all these roles, either on the job with an employer, so you can earn while you earn, or through training providers like Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics.

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