An enthusiastic bunch of talented hospitality and tourism graduates have entered the workforce after recently gaining National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) qualifications at Voyages’ Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.
NITA’s world-class training and employment programs– offered at its Mossman Gorge and Ayers Rock Resort sites – provide young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in hospitality and tourism.
The four newest graduates – who qualified in a range of areas from Food and Beverage to Tour Guiding – have all been snapped up for positions at companies such as Back Country Bliss and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.
“We’re immensely proud of this year’s NITA graduates and can’t wait to see what they achieve next,” said Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO, Matthew Cameron-Smith.
“Over 60% of our Mossman workforce is Indigenous and it’s our hope for these training programs to contribute to Indigenous training and employment nationwide.”
Kuki Yalanji man Trevayne Pierce is among the new graduates, having qualified with a Certificate III in Tourism, Tour Guide, and has since secured a role with Voyages’ Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre as a casual Tour Guide.
Pierce told HM that his family members sparked his interest in the program and tourism as a career path.
“I first heard about it through family members; my grandfather worked at the Centre and mentioned the program, and one of my cousins previously did the training, which inspired me to apply to NITA too,” Pierce said.
“Tourism is huge in this region, and I wanted to learn the skills to work in this space, be enabled to get out of my comfort zone and to meet new people every day.”
Pierce’s experience of the program was a positive one, with NITA providing the necessary supports to help him succeed.
“I felt welcome – from the spaces and accommodations as well as the support and everything that NITA provides to trainees,” he said.
“The course is really good at preparing you to experience what it’s like to work in these jobs.”
Now, in his first role at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, Pierce is excited about the possibilities that a career in tourism and hospitality offers.
“It’s going wonderful – I love it,” he said of his new role.
“I want to keep learning and explore more skills like hospitality, serving food and beverages.
“I hope my career takes off. I want to explore and learn as much as possible. It’s the beginning of my journey.”