Skill Hire, part of the IntoWork Group, recently teamed up with the Workforce Australia Local Jobs (Local Jobs) program and Tourism WA to host a Hospitality Try-A-Trade Day for Northam Senior High School students. The program was designed to open doors for young people to potential employment in hospitality and tourism, both crucial industries for local and national employment.
Located about two and a half hours from Perth, Northam is a regional town where job opportunities can be scarce. Events like the Try-A-Trade Day provide young people with essential skills and experiences, helping them to discover if a career in the industry is right for them.
During the event, Year 9 students tried a variety of cooking techniques and acquired new skills and knowledge. This hands-on experience not only boosted their confidence but also broadened their understanding of potential career paths.
Skill Hire Training Services Operations Manager Justine Wright is part of a Local Jobs task force for the Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions in WA. Aiming to provide access to priority training in regional areas that’s targeted towards what employment opportunities are available.
Justine emphasised the importance of such initiatives in the region, “We are committed to expanding training opportunities where they are most needed,” she said. “Our Try-a-Trade programs are not just about skills development; they are about educating people to the possibilities that lie ahead. We also work to connect students with potential employers, providing a clearer picture of what the future can hold.”
The program was designed by Skill Hire in collaboration with Tourism WA and tailored specifically to meet the needs of the industry and the region.
Local Jobs played a key role in identifying the priority industries and participants who’d benefit most from this program.
Workforce Australia Local Jobs is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.