Hospitality Group Training is looking at extending their program onto the Eyre Peninsula, to be based in Whyalla.

A Hospitality Industry Career Advice Dinner was given at Regency TAFE in Adelaide at the beginning of March, with 260 people attending.

Hospitality Group Training executive officer Wendy Ettridge spoke about the importance of addressing the skill shortage in the industry across the State.

"Ongoing concerns of skill shortages in the hospitality industry have been widely discussed," Wendy said.

"This (the dinner) is a direct promotion of hospitality as a career to young people and one of the many initiatives taken by HGT to address the industry skill shortage."

Whyalla man Brett Jurgens spoke at the dinner about his hospitality experiences and the opportunities that are available for young people today.

He also spoke about the importance of training and making it available to people based in regional and rural areas as well as the city.

"Looking around, I can see myself about seven years ago," he said.

"The one moment in time that has shaped my career to date was when I was in the position that you are in tonight."

Brett applied for a traineeship at Derham's Foreshore Motor Inn after finishing school, a position he claimed as the perfect entry level into the wonderful world of hospitality.

"My employer chose to work with Hospitality Group Training.

"The team of HGT apprentices and trainees at the property included two apprentice chefs and another front of house trainee.

"This bond between us made us all very comfortable in the fact that we had each other for support and for the knowledge that we were all working for a company which provided professional training and had a primary focus on ensuring that trainees and apprentices were being utilised to their fullest potential.

"After I completed my traineeship, I was encouraged by my host employer to seek out further opportunities to gain more experience in the industry.

"With their help, I was lucky enough to gain employment as a duty manager with the Constellation Hotel Group.

"After a 12 month stint with the group I chose to move back to Whyalla and take on more responsibility as the front office and restaurant manager which improved my management skills further."

Brett is now employed as the general manager of Quest Serviced Apartments in Adelaide, responsible for more than 20 staff and a 72-room, four star property.

Mrs Derham said that Hospitality Group Training shared her passion for young people and training.

"They are now focussing on the regions," Mrs Derham said.

"There are enormous shortages across the industry and if they won't take on first and second year apprentices, we'll never get the third and fourth year.

"HGT coming to Whyalla is a huge benefit to the regions and will help get our young people employed.

"Now we will be able to service them (the apprentices)."

Discussions are also beginning with the local TAFE about the possibility of a joint venture.

A possible 30 out of the 100 places offered through the Goal 100 program might be set aside for the hospitality industry.

Mrs Derham and Hospitality Group Training are also talking with Colin Weetra about the commencement of a program focussing on indigenous employment in the industry.

Hospitality Group Training executive officer Wendy Ettridge will be visiting Whyalla on April 17 to speak at the Enterprising Women Whyalla Business Woman of the Year Award dinner.