Changing career paths can be exciting but also potentially overwhelming for many. With the average number of career changes (we’re not talking jobs here but careers) in a person’s life being between 3 and 7, it is likely many people have experienced this. Often, transferrable skills from past careers assist greatly, along with consideration of interests and aptitudes.
For Marguerite, who came from a teaching background and looking to enter events management, changing careers was not straightforward but thanks to support from a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program held in Brisbane, Marguerite is now well on her way to achieving her goal of working in her desired career.
Out of work for some time, Marguerite made a decision to enrol in a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program for job seekers in Brisbane. Delivered by BUSY At Work, the program offers a range of skills and practical exploration of roles in Hospitality, along with introduction to employers. Marguerite was one of the ten job seeker participants in the program who were given the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Hospitality while also learning practical hospitality skills on site at a prestige hotel in Brisbane.
Marguerite said of the program, “I felt that if I had the qualification, it would give me the opportunity to find work in hospitality. I’d really like to do events management, and I’ve now secured casual work with the hotel in the banquets and events team which is a good step towards this.”
“It was great being able to re-familiarise myself with the theory that you need behind working in hospitality; the PPE, the structure and what’s required for safety and for customers. I particularly liked how we were able to get our RSA through the course.”
“The practical skills were also very helpful, and the hotel was easy to get to.”
“Hospitality is a fast-paced environment and never dull. In the Banquets and Events space, you are always moving.”
While undertaking the practical training on site at the hotel, Marguerite was able to prove herself to a potential employer and it was her reliability, energy and attention to detail that stood out to the hiring team. They then offered her the position which she enthusiastically accepted.
Of the ten participants who undertook the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, nine have graduated and received their qualification, two have found work and the remaining participants will be marketed to potential hospitality employers.
Recommending the program to other job seekers, Marguerite said, “I would definitely undertake this course, it is a huge help. Gaining skills for the career you’re looking for is your best first step and gives you more opportunities.”
Learn more about Skilling Queenslanders for Work
If you’re an employer in the Brisbane region looking for trained hospitality staff, contact our Skilling Queenslanders for Work team at sqwprojects@busyatwork.com.au