The friendly team at HGT have a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise in the hospitality industry. Our people are perfectly placed to guide you on your hospitality journey, with experience in front office management, housekeeping, food and beverage, conference and banqueting, hospitality financial control, and wine sales. Our industry consultants are fully qualified chefs.
Hospitality Expertise
Your future career is in safe hands with HGT. Our people have a passion for growing skills and nurturing talent, through our hospitality partnerships in Perth and regional WA.
Our consulting staff are respected hospitality professionals, having worked in all sectors of the industry. Their extensive industry experiences have been gained locally, interstate and overseas; in Dubai, China, Germany, South Africa and the UK. Our consultants understand the importance of maintaining good working relationships between hospitality business owners, managers, their staff and their guests.
All these key ingredients gives HGT an unparalleled knowledge of the local working environment and the particular requirements of Perth hospitality needs.
The friendly team at HGT have a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise in the hospitality industry. Our people are perfectly placed to guide you on your hospitality journey, with experience in front office management, housekeeping, food and beverage, conference and banqueting, hospitality financial control, and wine sales. Our industry consultants are fully qualified chefs.
Hospitality Expertise
Your future career is in safe hands with HGT. The staff at HGT bring a wealth of knowledge and true expertise in the hospitality industry. Our people have a passion for growing skills and nurturing talent, through our hospitality partnerships in Perth and regional WA.
Our consulting staff are respected hospitality professionals, having worked in all sectors of the industry. Their extensive industry experiences have been gained locally, interstate and overseas; in Dubai, China, Germany, South Africa and the UK. Our consultants understand the importance of maintaining good working relationships between hospitality business owners, managers, their staff and their guests.
All these key ingredients gives HGT an unparalleled knowledge of the local working environment and the particular requirements of Perth hospitality needs.
The friendly team at HGT have a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise in the hospitality industry. Our people are perfectly placed to guide you on your hospitality journey, with experience in front office management, housekeeping, food and beverage, conference and banqueting, hospitality financial control, and wine sales. Our industry consultants are fully qualified chefs.
Hospitality Expertise
Your future career is in safe hands with HGT. The staff at HGT bring a wealth of knowledge and true expertise in the hospitality industry. Our people have a passion for growing skills and nurturing talent, through our hospitality partnerships in Perth and regional WA.
Our consulting staff are respected hospitality professionals, having worked in all sectors of the industry. Their extensive industry experiences have been gained locally, interstate and overseas; in Dubai, China, Germany, South Africa and the UK. Our consultants understand the importance of maintaining good working relationships between hospitality business owners, managers, their staff and their guests.
All these key ingredients gives HGT an unparalleled knowledge of the local working environment and the particular requirements of Perth hospitality needs.
Iain McDougall, General Manager
Iain commenced with HGT in 1995 and came to HGT with twenty years of senior management experience with the Federal Government – the last ten years in the strategic policy areas of VET and labour market programs, including overseeing the introduction of traineeships in WA and group training policy. Iain was National Chairman of Group Training Australia (now National Apprentice Employment Network – NAEN) from 2006 – 2013, awarded NAEN Life Membership in 2006, Sitting Member on the Training Accreditation Council from 2007 – 2017, Board Member of the Australian Industry Skills Committee from 2018 and Board member of FutureNow from 2019. Iain was also the recipient of Restaurant & Catering Australia Employer of the Year in 2011 and the Australian Hotels Association Ross McGovern Hospitality Industry Achievement Award in 2017.
Joanne Bunce, Manager Industry, Training and Schools
Joanne has over 15-years’ experience in the Hospitality industry starting from Kitchen Hand, and Chef through to Venue Management. In 2005 Joanne decided to change her career path and move into training, landing a position at a Further Education College in the UK, delivering Professional Cookery and mentoring apprentices before moving into a management role overseeing the Catering and Hospitality Department.
Joanne moved to Australia from the UK in 2014 securing a role as a Hospitality Trainer for an International College and joined HGT in 2016 to look after the auspicing contracts with a range of WA schools ensuring the hospitality qualifications offered are delivered to industry standards. She was promoted to a Manager role in 2021 overseeing schools, apprentices and training services.
Iain McDougall, General Manager – Iain commenced with HGT in 1995 and came to HGT with twenty years of senior management experience with the Federal Government – the last ten years in the strategic policy areas of VET and labour market programs, including overseeing the introduction of traineeships in WA and group training policy. Iain was National Chairman of Group Training Australia (now National Apprentice Employment Network – NAEN) from 2006 – 2013, awarded NAEN Life Membership in 2006, Sitting Member on the Training Accreditation Council from 2007 – 2017, Board Member of the Australian Industry Skills Committee from 2018 and Board member of FutureNow from 2019. Iain was also the recipient of Restaurant & Catering Australia Employer of the Year in 2011 and the Australian Hotels Association Ross McGovern Hospitality Industry Achievement Award in 2017.
Joanne Bunce, Manager Industry, Training and Schools – Joanne has over 15-years’ experience in the Hospitality industry starting from Kitchen Hand, and Chef through to Venue Management. In 2005 Joanne decided to change her career path and move into training, landing a position at a Further Education College in the UK, delivering Professional Cookery and mentoring apprentices before moving into a management role overseeing the Catering and Hospitality Department.
Joanne moved to Australia from the UK in 2014 securing a role as a Hospitality Trainer for an International College and joined HGT in 2016 to look after the auspicing contracts with a range of WA schools ensuring the hospitality qualifications offered are delivered to industry standards. She was promoted to a Manager role in 2021 overseeing schools, apprentices and training services.
Simone Hodgkinson, Industry/Training Consultant (Casual)
Simone started her career as a pastry chef at Sweet Hearts Patisserie before moving to England where she completed a degree in Pastry and Baking. After 2 years she returned to Perth and was successful in securing her first senior role as a Head Pastry Chef. Simone continued to work at this level in a variety of venues before leaving the kitchen in 2009 to start at HGT whilst also running her own wedding cake business. Simone has been a pastry chef for 17 years now and loves it. Since completing her Certificate IV in Training Assessment she has also been a Training Consultant where she enjoys having the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with others and help them gain a recognised qualification.
Damien Rogan, Industry/Training Consultant
Damien started as an apprentice chef in 1988 at the age of 16. After qualifying in 1992 he worked throughout Perth, Margaret River & Europe in establishments such as 5-star hotels, fine dining restaurants, pubs, and cafes. He also enjoyed competition work and is a 3-time Medallist in the Restaurant of Champions (Australian Culinary Federation WA).
After completing an Approved Manager’s course Damien spent some time out of the kitchen managing front of house. Damien completed his Certificate in IV Training and Assessment which led him to delivering training to international students in Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery. Currently at HGT Damien delivers training in Certificates II in Cookery and Hospitality as well as mentoring apprentice chefs.
Simone Hodgkinson, Industry/Training Consultant (Part Time) – Simone started her career as a pastry chef at Sweet Hearts Patisserie before moving to England where she completed a degree in Pastry and Baking. After 2 years she returned to Perth and was successful in securing her first senior role as a Head Pastry Chef. Simone continued to work at this level in a variety of venues before leaving the kitchen in 2009 to start at HGT whilst also running her own wedding cake business. She has been a pastry chef for 17 years now and loves it. Since completing her Certificate IV in Training Assessment she has also been a Training Consultant where she enjoys having the opportunity to share her knowledge and experience with others and help them gain a recognised qualification
Damien Rogan, Industry/Training Consultant – Damien has currently 33 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. He started as an apprentice chef in 1988 at the age of 16. After qualifying in 1992 he worked throughout Perth, Margaret River & Europe in establishments such as 5-star hotels, fine dining restaurants, pubs, and cafes. He also enjoyed competition work and is a 3-time Medallist in the Restaurant of Champions (Australian Culinary Federation WA).
After completing an Approved Manager’s course Damien spent some time out of the kitchen managing front of house. Damien completed his Certificate in IV Training and Assessment which led him to delivering training to international students in Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery. Currently at HGT Damien delivers training in Certificates II in Kitchen Operations and Hospitality as well as mentoring apprentice chefs.
Lydia Taylor, Accounts/Payroll (Part Time)
Lydia completed a BSc Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management at Middlesex University in London. She was brought up in an English Village Pub since the age of 9 so hospitality was always in the family. She completed a Post Graduate Management Course with the group “Marston Hotels” where she got to work in a variety of hotels all over England gaining valuable experience.
In 2003, Lydia relocated to Australia and commenced her position as Functions Manager at Matilda Bay Restaurant.
2005 saw Lydia’s love for training and helping others develop into a job role as a Training Consultant with HGT. Then after starting a family, Lydia moved into the accounts department working part time oversighting payroll, accounts and training administration.
Mila Demina, Industry/Training Consultant (Part Time)
Mila came to Australia from Eastern Europe as a skilled independent migrant with scientific and engineering background in 2010. As a person who always liked cooking and private catering, she got her first kitchen job in one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Perth. Mila worked her way up from cook to sous chef then on to head chef whilst she completed her Certificate III and IV in Commercial Cookery and a Diploma of Hospitality Management. In 2015 Mila started her own catering business and worked as a trainer and assessor in an international student college.
Mila joined HGT in 2021 and enjoys working within Vocational Education and Training.
Lydia Taylor, Accounts/Payroll (Part Time) – Lydia completed a BSc Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management at Middlesex University in London. She was brought up in an English Village Pub since the age of 9 so hospitality was always in the family. She completed a Post Graduate Management Course with the group “Marston Hotels” where she got to work in a variety of hotels all over England gaining valuable experience.
In 2003, Lydia relocated to Australia and commenced her position as Functions Manager at Matilda Bay Restaurant.
2005 saw Lydia’s love for training and helping others develop into a job role as a Training Consultant with HGT. Then after starting a family, Lydia moved into the accounts department working part time oversighting payroll, accounts and training administration.
Rebecca Wilson, Training Consultant (Part Time) – Rebecca developed a passion for working in the hospitality industry from a young age. Whilst living in the UK she worked her way through all aspects at a privately owned estate hotel in Hertfordshire, Banqueting experience with Sodexho, accounts experience with Four Seasons Hotels in Canary Wharf and Food and Beverage and Reception experience with Marriott Hotels (Whitbread). Upon completion of two years in Hospitality Management at college and a BSc (Hons) in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Oxford Brookes University, Rebecca continued to work with Whitbread and moved up to Edinburgh to be an Assistant Hotel Manager.
Rebecca moved her life and career to Perth and worked as Restaurant Manager at Soda in North Beach. Settling in Australia, she completed her TAE Certificate IV and gained her first training position delivering Hospitality units up to Advanced Diploma level. Rebecca delivers and assesses units in Certificate II, III and IV in hospitality to trainees and school students.
Natelle Lee, Industry/Training Consultant (Part Time)
Natelle began her apprenticeship in 1998 at Qantas Flight Catering where she was exposed to many international cuisines. On qualification she moved to Crown Resort developing her skills in fine dining, banquets and patisserie. After a short time running the pastry department at St John of God Hospital she took time out to begin a family. Natelle then returned to work finding her passion for events catering, in 2018 she became the Executive Chef at another events and catering company servicing bespoke corporate and private functions, including working on Superyachts.
In 2024 Natelle was ready to look outside of the kitchen and complete her Certificate IV in Training and Assessment so she could share her wealth of knowledge and nurture the future generations of chefs.
Ally Simes, Chef Ambassador/Industry Consultant
Ally started a school-based apprenticeship in 2010 with Hospitality Group Training after doing work experience at Joondalup Resort. After graduating high school she took up a full time apprenticeship with HGT hosted at The Breakwater in 2012. She Qualified with her Certificate III in Commercial Cookery in 2014 then travelled Europe to learn about the food and culture. Back in Australia she worked at Crown Perth as a Chef De Partie in the Banquets department catering events for up to 2000 people. In 2017 Ally decided to go travel again, ending up in New York teaching cooking to children in a summer camp. Ally has since worked as a Chef De Partie at one of the Swan Valley’s busiest taverns and is now working for HGT coordinating the Chef Ambassador Program as well as recruiting and mentoring new up and coming chefs.
Jessie Phan, Training Consultant (Part Time) – Jess came to Australia from Vietnam as an international student in 2004 and had her first taste of Hospitality whilst still at university. Jess then developed a passion for the industry and decided to ger her Diploma of Hospitality Management in Food and Beverage in 2012. During that time, Jess worked as a head barista and became café manager for several cafés around Perth. She also had a pop-up café located at the beach front in Scarborough beach during the summer of 2016. In 2018, Jess opened her first Vietnamese fine food restaurant in East Victoria Park.
After starting a family in 2020, Jess decided that she would want to spend more time with her family. In 2022, Jess completed her Certificate IV in TAE and is now working as a Training Consultant at Hospitality Group Training.
Ally Simes, Industry Consultant – Ally started a school-based apprenticeship in 2010 with Hospitality Group Training after doing work experience at Joondalup Resort. After graduating high school she took up a full time apprenticeship with HGT hosted at The Breakwater in 2012. She Qualified with her Certificate III in Commercial Cookery in 2014 then travelled Europe to learn about the food and culture. Back in Australia she worked at Crown Perth as a Chef De Partie in the Banquets department catering events for up to 2000 people. In 2017 Ally decided to go travel again, ending up in New York teaching cooking to children in a summer camp. Ally has since worked as a Chef De Partie at one of the Swan Valley’s busiest taverns and is now working for HGT coordinating the Chef Ambassador Program as well as recruiting and mentoring new up and coming chefs.
Sarah Baker, Training Consultant (Part Time)
Sarah began in the hospitality industry working on a 1930s Tourist Train in Northern NSW. Whilst studying Arts and Education, Sarah worked in various hospitality venues, from Café Bistros through to 5 Star hotels. After completing her degrees, Sarah travelled throughout Australia, taking hospitality jobs on the Gold Coast, in the Whitsundays, and then relocated to Perth.
After teaching in Perth, the working travels began again with Front of House positions in Canada, then on to Scotland. On returning to Perth, Sarah moved into the world of VET, combining a love of education with hospitality. Sarah joined Hospitality Group Training in 2019 and has delivered training to trainees across Perth, along with her key role in auspicing training with schools.
Craig Brotherson, Accountant (Part Time) – Craig joined HGT in 2019 and as a qualified accountant is a Fellow member of CPA Australia, being elevated to Fellow status in 1998. He has Bachelor of Business Degree (Accounting) and a Graduate Diploma in Business (Marketing).
Craig has had extensive experience in the corporate world, an array of businesses in manufacturing, training industry and general consulting in business development, financial management and improvement.
Sarah Baker, Training Consultant (Part Time) – Sarah began in the hospitality industry working on a 1930s Tourist Train in Northern NSW. Whilst studying Arts and Education, Sarah worked in various hospitality venues, from Café Bistros through to 5 Star hotels. After completing her degrees, Sarah travelled throughout Australia, taking hospitality jobs on the Gold Coast, in the Whitsundays, and then relocated to Perth.
After teaching in Perth, the working travels began again with Front of House positions in Canada, then on to Scotland. On returning to Perth, Sarah moved into the world of VET, combining a love of education with hospitality. Sarah joined Hospitality Group Training in 2019 and has delivered training to trainees across Perth, along with her key role in auspicing training with schools.
Craig Brotherson, Accountant (Part Time) – Craig joined HGT in 2019 and as a qualified accountant is a Fellow member of CPA Australia, being elevated to Fellow status in 1998. He has Bachelor of Business Degree (Accounting) and a Graduate Diploma in Business (Marketing).
Craig has had extensive experience in the corporate world, an array of businesses in manufacturing, training industry and general consulting in business development, financial management and improvement.