One hundred Indigenous Australians will receive the opportunity to pursue careers in the hospitality industry as part of the Hostplus Indigenous Management Traineeship Program, a training program developed by the Australian Hotels Association in cooperation with HostPlus, MINT Group, AFL SportsReady Program and hotels around Australia.
The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, launched the program today saying that skills training was an important step towards increasing the workforce participation of Indigenous Australians.
Minister Ferguson said: "Tourism has great potential to deliver real benefits to Indigenous Australians in the form of jobs and career opportunities. This is something I passionately believe in. It is good to see the corporate sector getting right behind this exceptional program.
"The program will place 100 Indigenous trainees in hotels across Australia and assist them to complete a Certificate III in Hospitality Operations. They will develop widely recognised and certified skills which will make them attractive workers for hospitality providers."
The training program will be tailored to the needs of the participants. Pre-employment training and counselling support will be provided to ensure that by the end of the program participants are work-ready in addition to having the specific hospitality skills employers seek.
Hotels will also be supported throughout the program with cross-cultural training to encourage greater industry participation.
"Through this program many more Indigenous Australians will develop skills which will provide more than just a job, but options for life.
"I have no doubt this program will succeed. The level of support provided to the participants and host hotels is exceptional.
"The program offers real employment opportunities and career paths for Indigenous Australians and will provide a pathway to future economic independence and social well-being."