THE hospitality industry has developed an innovative traineeship program to attract aspiring chefs and front-of-house staff into Western Australia’s finest restaurants and hotels. The ‘hospitality passport’ initiative, launched this week, will give 40 apprentices the opportunity to gain valuable experience through on-the-job training at locations across the state. Well-known industry players, such as Lamont’s, Fraser’s, Must Wine Bar and the Subiaco Hotel, have all thrown their support behind the initiative. The industry has been plagued with staff shortages, particularly during periods of high demand, due to the state’s tight labour market. The initiative is part of the government’s $3.3 million package to encourage stronger links between training providers and industry.