High School students get a taste of hospitality careers
Almost 140 Year 9 and 10 students from Tasmania’s North and North-West have gained an insight into what it’s like to work in the hospitality and tourism sector at two Tourism and Hospitality Showcase events. The showcases, held at Drysdale Launceston on 24 October and Drysdale Devonport on 16 November, informed students with an interest in working in the sector of the diversity of jobs available and the educational pathways into those jobs. The events were a partnership between TasTAFE Drysdale, the Department of Education’s ‘My Education Career & Life Planning,’ industry (including Tourism Northern Tasmania for the Launceston event) and the Beacon Foundation. Beacon Foundation School and Industry Liaison Officer, Ebony Bridle, said the interactive events were a great way to show students where a career in the industry can take them. “The showcase brought industry and Drysdale teachers together to provide an opportunity for students to experience, firsthand, some of the jobs that they may not have known about before and inform them of the steps required to prepare them for those jobs,” Ms Bridle said. Drysdale North-West Education Manager, Tim Cox, said the event showed young people where vocational and education and training could lead them. “This showcases were a great way to get young people excited about a career in Tourism and Hospitality and help address current skills shortages in this expanding sector,” Mr Cox said. Feedback from students who attended the sessions was very positive. Of the 30 students who attended the session in Devonport, 21 described it as ‘valuable,’ while seven said it was ‘life-changing.’ Some of the comments from students included: “I’ve always wanted to work in this industry but I see there is so much I can do apart from what I originally wanted.” “I can travel the world being a chef or tour guide and I’m sure there are many more opportunities.” “I have more ideas on what I’d like to do career wise. I am glad I came today as I feel like I have found some amazing work opportunities.”
December 2017 www.australianhotels.asn.au
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