That was the message being spread at a hospitality and tourism showcase held at Drysdale’s Launceston campus.

About 80 grade 9 and 10 students from across the region attended the showcase, which was held jointly by Drysdale, the Beacon Foundation, the education department and industry.

The showcase showed students through different stations, where they got a hands-on look at the two growth sectors.

Hospitality and tourism is experiencing exponential growth in Tasmania and have been identified as industries that will need a significant injection of workers in the future.

One of the sessions was a barista session, which was led by Drysdale teacher Julia Ruff.

“We want to show them [the students] that the skills you learn [as a barista] can take you anywhere,” she said.

“It may not be a career, but it might be a casual or part-time job.”

Miss Ruff said she had worked in hospitality for the past 18 years.

She said she enjoyed the industry because of its variety.

Prospect High School student Jen Smith said the showcase had helped to show her the depth of the industry.

“I didn’t know that there were so many jobs available,” she said.

Miss Smith said she hoped to get a job in hospitality in the future, possibly in front of house.

She said she had learned that hospitality was “more than just tours”.

St Marys District School student Ria Oliver said the showcase had shown her that hospitality skills could take her anywhere.

Miss Oliver hopes to be a chef in the future.

TasTAFE chief executive Jenny Dodd said the hospitality and tourism showcase was designed to give students with an interest in the sector more information about the diversity of jobs available.

“Students will have the opportunity to try practical activities and learn more about the tourism and hospitality industry from Drysdale teachers and industry representatives,” Ms Dodd said. 

Industry groups attending included Geronimo Bar and Restaurant, Tourism Northern Tasmania, Tamar Valley Resort, Junction Arts Festival, Agfest and Hawthorn Football Club.