EDITORIAL
VXT
A new Tasmanian has found work through a training program delivered by VXT and The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel. The two organisations partnered to deliver a training solution to meet an urgent need for housekeeping staff earlier this year. Agnes Pluta was struggling to find work after relocating from Poland with her Tasmanian husband and two children at the end of 2021. She registered for the VXT housekeeping course after seeing it posted on Facebook by the Migrant Resource Centre. Although she was experiencing language barriers Agnes, found the course to be very supportive and empowering. “I felt very supported in the training session and felt I was able to relate to other course participants,” Agnes said. “I would not of had the confidence to walk into a hotel or store on my own and ask for a job, so this course was great for my confidence.” Agnes has now been working at the property for over four weeks. “I am learning something new every day and have found everyone to be very supportive and understanding.” The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel had experienced a shortage of housekeeping staff and hadn’t had much success finding suitable applicants through online advertisements.
After connecting with VXT, the business coordinated a three-day training course on site, with seven participants sourced by VXT. The VXT Introduction to Housekeeping course has been designed by industry professionals to support both local Tasmanian businesses and individuals who are seeking employment and need further training. Executive Housekeeper at The OldWoolstore Apartment Hotel’s Trish Grundy was overwhelmed by the success of the course. “We offered five out of the seven participants a position and the seventh person went to our sister hotel, Hadleys,” Trish said. “I would love to have this course run every year, to support us through the overturning of staff.” VXT was able to give the Woolstore access to a completely different base of job seekers. “The people that joined the course, actually wanted to work in housekeeping and find secure employment,” Trish said. “Everyone who did the course was just great, they got straight into it and were really keen to get jobs.” The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel were pleased with the course and its delivery and see it as a new way of recruiting.
d
ss
f s
e,
m ed
ed dy, or
ob
nd
Pictured (Top, left to right): The Old Woolstore Apart- ment Hotel executive housekeeper Trish Grundy with Agnes Pluta
41
Hospitality Review: April 2022
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator