Embracing the opportunity to experience all there is to learn about the field of hospitality, Kaijah Waller-Thompson recently secured a school-based traineeship at Club Southport incorporated (CSi).
Upon completion Kaijah will hold a qualification of Certificate III in Hospitality and have a solid start to her future in the hospitality industry.
Prior to Kaijah’s recent success, her future was uncertain until earlier this year when she participated in the Department of Education, Training and Employment Hospitality Industry Work Preparation Program. Delivered at Stretton State College where Kaijah attends, the program was aimed at students who were interested in gaining experience in the hospitality industry.
Driven by Metropolitan Regional Schools, the Restaurant and Catering Industry Association, and supported by BUSY At Work and Academy Hospitality Australia, the program was designed to support and build capacity in young people and to ensure adequate knowledge and skills were gained to successfully enable them to apply for and secure jobs post schooling.
BUSY At Work Regional Manager (Metro South) Bryan Dyball, said the Department of Education, Training and Employment Pathways Officer Paula Kooyman played a pivotal role in driving the success of the program.
“Paula Kooyman was instrumental in organising and connecting the stakeholders for this Hospitality Industry Work Preparation Program. The results of Paula’s work has been great and Kaijah’s success highlights what can be achieved through team effort, hard work and determination,” said Mr Dyball.
During the program, Kaijah learned crucial work preparation skills, practical cookery skills, and completed work experience at Star Café in Harbour Town.
Liz Van Genderen, Head of Department Stretton State College said the program helped secure a future for the participating students.
“This was not only fantastic for Kaijah’s self-confidence, but helped her gain exposure to the industry and face the challenges of daily work. Getting up at 4am, travelling to work, making over 100 scones was all part of her work experience day at the Star Cafe.”
Paula Kooyman, Program Coordinator said “It was great to see amazing results achieved in the program through working collaboratively with the other stakeholders involved and the positive support they provided throughout”.
Kaijah’s Duty Manager at Club Southport, Shelly Henningsen, was also full of praise for Kaijah.
“As a community club, one of CSi’s focuses is giving young people an opportunity in hospitality. We would love to provide Kaijah with a career and a future at the club once she has successfully completed her traineeship with us. It’s great to have Kaijah on board smiling, showing initiative and having a great attitude, she is a pleasure to work with,” said Ms Henningsen.
Kaijah is a natural with the customers and looks forward to building strong relationships with her regular customers.
“I like working with the public and really enjoy dealing with the regular customers here at CSi. I’m learning great communication skills and enjoy bar and reception work. CSi has a great working atmosphere and I’m really having fun undertaking my Certificate III in Hospitality,” said Kaijah.
BUSY At Work is proud to be involved in programs that produce such great outcomes for its participants and will again be involved next year when the Industry Work Preparation Program is delivered. For further information about apprenticeships and traineeships call BUSY on 13 2879.
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