Recently graduating from ‘Hospitality Rising Stars’, a 12-week Skilling Queenslanders for Work program held at Mt Gravatt, many participants are now excited to be working for major hotels and industry employers in the region.
Gaining a nationally recognised Certificate II in Hospitality, participants benefitted from hands-on skills through work experience at industry hotels and attended workshops that covered essential job-seeking skills, including cover letter and resume writing, setting up and optimising Seek profiles, and engaging in in-person resume submissions at a bustling shopping center. This practical job searching experience proved invaluable, boosting participants’ confidence and allowing them to support and encourage one another in real-world job-search scenarios.
Among the participants who are now employed, Christine and Sharna have now both secured employment at Hotel Vocco within their housekeeping team.
Overcoming personal barriers with resilience and determination, Sharna has grown tremendously in confidence with the support offered through the program. At the recently held graduation ceremony, Sharna stated, “I am extremely grateful to have gained stable employment so close to home! The program has helped me to recognise my worth and potential. Thank you Skill360, my mentor and my coaches.”
Also now working at Hotel Vocco, Christine’s dedication and perseverance throughout the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program has been truly inspiring to other participants, showing herself to be a motivated team player. Christine also expressed gratitude for this life-changing program, stating, “I am so excited to be working in a stable role at Hotel Vocco. Gaining employment has given me a sense of confidence and responsibility.”
Another participant, simply know as ‘JJ’, who was recently placed in a front of house role at Club Parkview, said, “I am loving my new job and how great the exposure has been into the front of house side of hospitality.”
Just recently, participant Marivic gained employment in a cafe local to home. Her role involves cooking and general assisting in the kitchen. Marivic is excited to be working in a role she enjoys, and is grateful to her mentor in the program Harvey, stating , “Hi Harvey, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the opportunities you have shared and helped me with, I really appreciate it! This week I had a job trial at a cozy little cafe near my place and I’m excited to share with you that I passed the interview and start next week. Thank you again for your mentorship, and everything you have done, you have been a great help!”
Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) is a Queensland government funded initiative to skill-up job seekers and prepare them for the workforce. Offering skills in a range of industries, program mentors and industry trainers work with participants and employers in the region to offer eligible participants hands-on work experience, skills development and the opportunity to prove themselves for any work opportunities.
Program Manager at Skill360, Kristie Kelly, said “The Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs offer participants the chance to explore different industry careers in a supported environment. Our programs combine personal support, job ready skill development and connections into industry resulting in many of our program participants securing work after program completions. When we match participants with employers, we know they are job ready and enthusiastic, so it’s a win-win for employers and jobseekers in our region!”
Find out more about our current Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs.
Skill360 ( a Not for Profit organisation) and part of the BUSY Group manages community initiatives under the Skilling Queenslanders for work banner. The SQW programs are completed by the wide-ranging services of the BUSY Group including employment, education, health and training programs to support individuals with their careers and businesses with their human resourcing needs.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants and program mentors at the recent Rising Hospitality Stars graduation ceremony.
From L-R: Hayley Vessey (Mentor Project Coordinator), Marivic Solerno (Participant), JJ Donaldson (Participant), Darren Mackenzie (Trainer), Christine Addison (Participant), Kasey Vessey (Mentor Project Coordinator), Antun Zaknik (Participant), Sayed Sadat (Participant), Harvey Zapico (Mentor Project Coordinator).
