The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has partnered with Government Agencies and private sector entities to deliver a pre-traineeship program for 17 local job-seekers hoping to find work in the hospitality industry.
The 10-day program gave participants foundation skills training to successfully prepare them for the hospitality workforce.
At the completion of the program successful participants gained employment with the Capital Hotel Group and a pathway to a traineeship.
General Manager of Capital Hotel Group, Jackie Mckeown said they had identified a need to gain skilled employees for the opening of a new hotel this month.
“Hospitality is an amazing industry that offers a variety of roles such as front office, food and beverage and housekeeping,” Ms Mckeown said.
“This program was a great opportunity for local job-seekers to gain skills in the industry and gain understanding of what the industry entails.”
She said the training had a hands-on, practical focus incorporating live experience in the CIT café and access to CIT’s simulated training facilities and equipment.
One of the trainees, Sophie White (19) said the course had given her skills, not just for a job now, but for life.
“This opportunity has taught me so many new aspects of the hospitality industry and has really boosted my confidence so I’m ready to work,” Ms White said.
She plans to keep doing what she loves — working with people — and hopes to progress through the hospitality industry to pursue her dream of becoming a wedding planner.
The project was supported by the Skilling Australians Fund, a project-based National Partnership Agreement with the Australian Government to meet the needs of industry and increase the number of apprentice and trainee starts.
