Australian recruitment services company, Work Intern Travel (WIT) has formed a new partnership with a US-based cultural exchange organisation to help fill labour shortages across the industry.

Launching 1 December, the agreement with Alliance Abroad Group (AAG) aims to provide hospitality and tourism-industry employers within Australia access to experienced temporary and seasonal staff by way of interns under the Work Experience Australia program.

According to AAG president James Bell, the agreement would provide employers ground-support, with WIT serving as a local representative that can respond to unique requirements.

“We aren't targeting backpackers who just want to work for a month or so to fund travels and move on but recruit hospitality students who want serious work placements as part of their course requirements,” Work Intern Travel managing director Frank Scerri added.  

“They still travel but work is the priority.”