BUSY At Work in partnership with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) recently hosted a very successful industry overview focusing on the hospitality and tourism industry.
Ten Industry Liaison Officers (ILOs) from secondary schools across Brisbane recently attended the one day event at the Sofitel Brisbane Central.
The ILO’s role is fundamental in assisting secondary students in areas of work experience and school based apprenticeships and traineeships. Many students choose to participate in these external programs as a pathway choice as they provide a Nationally Recognised Qualification and a QSA approved course. It is therefore essential for the schools to have extensive links with the industries and businesses and to have a clear understanding of the opportunities available and requirements of the students from numerous industries.
BUSY At Work Career Pathway Officer, Julie Rogan said the day was organised to invite the ILOs to experience firsthand the many and varied opportunities open to students in the restaurant and hospitality fields.
“This type of event between BUSY and QTIC is a great way for us to engage with schools and to provide them with up to date knowledge about apprenticeships and traineeships that are available to their students,” Ms Rogan said.
The ILOs were taken on a tour of the Sofitel Brisbane Central and given special access to its in-house training facilities to gain firsthand knowledge of the career opportunities available in one of the world’s leading five star hotel brands.
The group spent time with the Director of Human Resources, Briony Low who gave them an overview of what Sofitel, as an industry leader, look for in new applicants, what career pathways currently exist and what sort of roles are likely to be available in the future.
After the Sofitel tour the ILOs were able to take in the state of the art Franklyn Scholar training facilities and see how the equipment was used for training.
The Head Commercial Cookery Trainer then hosted the ILOs to a sit down lunch beautifully prepared by trainee chefs.
Sofitel Brisbane Central’s Training Officer, Nikoletta Nikolaidisz-Kyriacou said Sofitel welcomed the opportunity to share industry knowledge with schools and educational institutions.
“We are always pleased to offer tailored visits to the hotel incorporating food and beverage experiences. Customised events like the recent day organised by BUSY At Work are a great way to provide students and schools with knowledge on careers in hospitality.”
“It is always rewarding to inspire and help young people who are making significant decisions about their future,” Ms Nikolaidisz-Kyriacou said.
QTIC CEO, Daniel Gschwind praised the tourism industry overview saying it was a great way for QTIC to showcase the vast opportunities for students within the tourism industry.
“The breadth of careers available in this sector is difficult to keep up with. For school staff to see what is on offer allows young people to get up to date information and it strengthens the school/business relationship.”
“The partnership QTIC has with BUSY At Work continues to create innovative opportunities for both companies.”
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said BUSY At Work was proud to partner with QTIC in providing professional development for Industry Liaison Officers.
“Through this excellent industry initiative between QTIC and BUSY At Work we can better engage schools and provide them with up-to-date knowledge of what is happening in the tourism and hospitality industry. We now have the ability to better promote apprenticeships and traineeships as a viable career path in these sectors,” Mr Miles said.
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IMAGE CAPTION: Megan Fulmer from BUSY At Work joins ILO’s during the tour of Sofitel Brisbane Central.
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator 0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
