An ambitious group of 60 qualified, job-ready North Queenslanders are boosting the local hospitality industry after graduating from the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ dual award-winning Dream, Believe, Achieve program.
Receiving their nationally-recognised Certificate III in Hospitality at a special graduation ceremony in Townsville on Friday, 43 of the graduates have already secured ongoing, paid employment with the program’s 14 local industry partners.
Their success adds to the program’s 266 graduates since 2018, capping off a highly successful five-year period for the training and employment program, which has seen the industry benefit from an increase in skilled workers through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dream, Believe, Achieve delivers education, training and industry-recognised qualifications to unemployed and disadvantaged North Queenslanders, providing mentoring support to assist students in completing their studies and achieving their career goals.
The Dream, Believe, Achieve Hospitality program is funded and supported by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and is available to eligible participants at no cost.
After moving from Hervey Bay to Townsville to live with family, graduate Latesha Baker said she had not only gained important career qualifications through the program, but developed confidence and pride through the experience.
“I heard about the Cowboys Dream, Believe, Achieve program through a support worker and thought it sounded interesting, and within the first few weeks I discovered hospitality is an area I wanted to learn,” she said.
“If there were ever any issues, you could talk about it with (the mentors) and they will listen and try their best to help you or give you advice.
“My goal from here is to stay working at Cowboys Leagues Club, I’ve made friends there and I love it like one big family.”
Graduates completed the intensive 10-week course, including Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Gambling Services (RSG) qualifications, through in-class training modules with training partner Allara Learning, on-the-job work experience with 14 industry partners and one-on-one mentoring and guidance.
A key feature of the program’s success is the mentoring support provided to assist students in completing training and securing ongoing paid employment.
According to Australian Government Labour Market Insights, employment in accommodation and food services is projected to grow by 112,400 (13.2%) over the next 5 years to November 2026*.
Cowboys Community and Government Relations Officer Fiona Pelling said program outcomes are addressing the industry demand for hospitality staff, while providing opportunities for disadvantaged North Queenslanders.
“Dream, Believe, Achieve benefits both industry and individuals, leading to positive outcomes for the whole community,” she said.
“As our economy bounces back from COVID, it’s fantastic to see our graduates entering the regional job market and meeting the need for qualified, job-ready workers.
“With Allara Learning and our industry partners, we’re ensuring that employers get staff with the relevant skills they require to run their business and build a stronger industry in North Queensland.
“We’re proud of every one of our graduates who show inspiring commitment to complete the course, secure employment and build a brighter future.”
While continuing to offer industry-recognised qualifications in hospitality, the Dream, Believe, Achieve program will expand to also offer courses in construction and individual support from February 2023.
For more information or to register for upcoming program intakes, visit cowboys.com.au/DBA.
