Introduction: The Challenge of Finding Skilled Chefs
I remember the evening when the reality of the skills shortage truly hit me. It was late 2021, and New South Wales was just emerging from another lockdown. As the manager of a large staff team in a regional hospitality business, I had spent months navigating the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We pivoted our business model, forecasted cash flows, and tried to keep our employees engaged and ready to return at a moment’s notice. However, many of our staff had used the lockdown as an opportunity to retrain or re-evaluate their careers.
One day, I found myself on the floor with rosters spread out around me, desperately trying to juggle our dwindling headcount to keep the business running. I begged key staff members to stretch themselves even thinner, working six days a week, but it was clear that we simply didn’t have enough people to cover the shifts needed to operate at full capacity.
This soul-sapping process made me realize we were staring down the barrel of a vast skills gap that had been looming for a decade, exacerbated by the pandemic. The Australian apprenticeship system had been failing, with high dropout rates limiting the number of new entrants to the culinary profession.
When I got home that evening, I decided to build what I wished I had access to: a recruitment agency that could actually find skilled workers. But not just any recruitment agency—I needed one that could access an international workforce and handle migration as well. This is how You Solved was born, out of a deep sense of frustration but also a purpose to solve the skills gap in the hospitality industry.
Why International Recruitment is the Answer
When faced with a significant skills shortage, particularly in the hospitality industry, looking beyond local borders becomes not just an option, but a necessity. In 2024, the demand for skilled chefs in Australia continues to outstrip supply, driven by factors such as an aging workforce, high dropout rates from culinary apprenticeships, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By following our ultimate checklist, business owners and leaders can effectively navigate the process of hiring internationally. By looking beyond our borders for talent, you unlock a myriad of opportunities for your business. By embracing international recruitment, you elevate the level of skill within your business and future-proof your roster against ongoing and future gaps. Up next, I’ll share insights on the top five countries to recruit skilled chefs from.
Top 5 Countries to Recruit Skilled Chefs
As you look to elevate the skill level within your business and future-proof your roster against gaps, recruiting from these five countries can provide a reliable source of talented chefs.
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Over the past few decades, the UAE has firmly established itself as a global tourism hub, significantly pivoting its economy from oil resources to hospitality. This shift has drawn talented hospitality professionals from around the world, including many skilled chefs seeking career growth. However, the UAE does not offer long-term residency or citizenship options for migrant workers, making it a prime source for chefs who are open to relocating permanently to places like Australia where they can settle long-term.
2. Qatar
Following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar has made substantial efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil, with a strong focus on hospitality. Similar to the UAE, Qatar attracts top-tier talent from the region but lacks long-term residency options for migrant workers. This makes it an excellent source for skilled chefs looking for stable, long-term opportunities in other countries. Additionally, Qatar’s burgeoning hospitality sector means that chefs there often have experience working in high-pressure, high-standard environments.
3. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka stands out as an excellent source for skilled chefs due to its simpler migration process, which does not require a skills assessment. This makes the recruitment process more straightforward and quicker. Sri Lankan chefs often have good English proficiency, a result of the country’s strong education system and historical ties to Britain. Their culinary skills are diverse and rich, bringing unique flavours and techniques to your kitchen.
4. United Kingdom
The UK is a fantastic source for skilled chefs because the visa process is easier, with no skills assessment or English language requirements for most roles. The cultural alignment between the UK and Australia ensures that British chefs can integrate smoothly into Australian kitchens. Many UK expats are also looking for opportunities to stay in Australia permanently, providing a motivated and skilled pool of candidates.
5. Germany
Germany’s strong culinary reputation and high standards in hospitality make it a valuable source of skilled chefs. German chefs are known for their precision, creativity, and work ethic. Germany also offers competitive salaries and good working conditions, ensuring that chefs have a strong foundation of professional experience. Recruiting from Germany can bring highly trained and innovative chefs to your team, enhancing your culinary offerings.
If you are considering hiring internationally I’ve created the ultimate regional employers checklist for just that! It’s a great way to get you started on your journey.
Success Stories: A Regional Restaurant’s Revival
One afternoon, I was approached by a client who ran a regional restaurant facing severe staff shortages. Their local recruitment efforts had hit a wall, making it nearly impossible to operate at full capacity. The stress of juggling rosters was taking a toll on team morale and the overall quality of service.
I recommended looking beyond Australia’s borders to fill these critical gaps. We identified skilled chefs from the UAE and Sri Lanka, regions rich with culinary talent and professionals seeking long-term opportunities abroad.
When these international chefs joined the team, the transformation was remarkable. Not only did they bring skill and experience to the kitchen, but their presence also provided the much-needed stability the restaurant had been missing. The ability to operate at full capacity without overburdening existing staff led to a noticeable improvement in team morale. The stress that had plagued the restaurant began to lift, and the staff could focus on their passion for cooking rather than the logistical nightmare of understaffing.
Moreover, the stability brought by the new hires had a profound impact on staff retention. Employees felt more secure and valued, knowing they were part of a well-supported team. This sense of stability and improved workplace atmosphere contributed to higher retention rates, allowing the restaurant to build a cohesive, dedicated team.
How to Source Skilled Chefs Internationally
Sourcing skilled chefs from these top 5 countries can be a streamlined process if you follow some key steps. Here’s a practical guide to help you get started:
Attract International Applications
- Advertise Position Internationally: Leverage platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and international job sites to reach a global audience. Highlight that you are open to international candidates and offer sponsored positions.
- Update Job Page: Ensure your company’s job page mentions that you are open to international applications and sponsored positions are available. This will attract candidates actively seeking such opportunities.
- Promote Regional Benefits: In your job ads, emphasize the benefits of your regional location, including lifestyle perks and community features. This can be a significant draw for candidates looking to relocate.
- Detail Salary and Perks: Clearly state the minimum salary package and any additional perks your company offers. Transparency in compensation helps attract serious candidates.
- Create Application Funnel: Set up a unique email address or application funnel for international candidates to streamline the application process and ensure timely responses.
Conclusion: Embracing Global Talent for Local Success
Reflecting on my journey from that challenging evening in 2021 to founding You Solved, I see how international recruitment can transform businesses. When local talent is scarce, looking beyond borders isn’t just an option—it’s a lifeline.
Recruiting skilled chefs from the top five countries we’ve discussed—UAE, Qatar, Sri Lanka, the UK, and Germany—brings a wealth of benefits to your business. Embracing global talent not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also future-proofs your business against ongoing and future gaps. At You Solved, we’re here to guide you through every step of this process, ensuring your business can thrive with a skilled and diverse team.
If you are considering hiring internationally I’ve created the ultimate checklist for just that- it’s a great place to start.
