Monday 7 December

Major Tourism employers welcome Indigenous trainee scheme 

An innovative employment and training program is giving 40 Indigenous people from the Mossman area the opportunity to experience the tourism industry firsthand as part of preparations for the new Mossman Gorge Gateway eco-tourism development.

Pathways to the Future (PTTF) have been in Mossman Gorge since the 5 November facilitating a training program involving a combination of work ready skills and work experience, enhancing the opportunity for people to gain work within the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

With 26 Employers involved, participants are able to try their hand at a variety of roles as diverse as horse riding tours, Cape Tribulation Tours, Great Barrier Reef tours or working in a laundry and doing sales and marketing.

Many participants will be offered a guarantee of employment at the new eco-tourism project, while for others the opportunity to work with some of the employers is also an option, resulting in a success rate of over 80% for this groundbreaking project. Successfully coordinated by ITEC employment, and involving innovative ideas such as transportation of all participants to and from work experience, the review and evaluation of candidates and one-on-one mapping of training requirements and pathways forward to ensure sustainable long term employment, this is a significant development in increasing the presence of Indigenous people within the tourism sector.

The major employers involved include, Sheraton Mirage, Quicksilver, The Rainforest Habitat,  Silky Oaks Lodge, Latitude 16 (10 Accommodation properties in Port Douglas), Daintree Eco Lodge, Demi View Motel, Rydges Sabaya Resort, Adventure North, Jungle Tours, Mojo's, Success with Attitude, Calypso, Raintrees of Mossman, Wonga Beach Horse Rides, Queensland Parks and Wildlife.

These employers have reported how thrilled they are with its success and the fantastic attitude of participants and their willingness to learn, communicate and share their culture with visitors to the Far North.  This is a major achievement for Indigenous tourism in the Far North with positive feedback from tourists, employers and participants.

Friday the 11th of December will see all participants and employers gathering at the Gorge to celebrate the success. Also in attendance will be Brad Maher, Business Development Manager for ITEC Employment and representatives from the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) in Brisbane.