Staff Profile

Jason Buxton: Hospitality Trainer

Tell us about your hospitality industry experience.

It has been interesting! I spent 2.5 years in the Army Reserves as a Cook then I transferred to the Royal Australian Navy as a Steward. During my time as a Steward I had the privilege of being able to work at Government House in Sydney serving private functions for the Rear Admiral of the Fleet. I also ran countless sunset cocktail functions onboard HMAS Brisbane around South East Asia.

After leaving the Navy I went on to manage retail liquor outlets in Sydney then moved to on premise, working in various venues in Sydney and Queensland.

More recently I worked for the Intercontinental Hotels Group. First at the Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs as the Assistant Front Office Manager; and then at the Holiday Inn Esplanade, Darwin as the Cluster Front Office manager.

You’ve been in the industry for a while, how did you get started and what made you keep going?

Like many, I had no experience so I completed a basic bar course and then completed two weeks work experience at the Lake Creek Hotel in Central Queensland.

Over the last 17 years in the industry the thing that has kept me motivated is watching good quality service unfold. Not to mention, there is never a dull moment in hospitality!

What do you enjoy most about working in the hospitality industry?

The people! I have met and worked with some fantastic people from all over the world and I really enjoyed learning about their cultures.

Now you have moved into a training position. What made you decide to do this?

I really enjoy watching people grow and develop skills they will use for the rest of their lives. It gives me great satisfaction when I see ex-students working in the industry, providing great service and really enjoying it.

Tell us about your experience with training international students.

For me, developing an understanding of some new cultures and finding ways to connect with students at a different level has been great.

A large majority of the students have not been exposed to the products or nuances that are involved in the Australian industry. Watching them develop an understanding of the the way we do things over here is very exciting.

Every day you deal with students who are looking to live out their hospitality dream. As someone with vast industry knowledge, what is your advice to them?

Develop your product knowledge, strive for consistency in all your daily duties, perfect your plate carrying and beverage service, and have fun along the way!