The North Queensland Cowboys’ Dream Believe Achieve hospitality program wrapped up today, with graduates trained and assisted into jobs in bars and pubs.
On 5 April the Cowboys’ initiative kicked off, aiming to help 20 unemployed indigenous Australians to achieve their dreams of jobs in hospitality.
Dream Believe Achieve provided intensive education by professional trainers at the Cowboys’ home ground, 1300SMILES Stadium, with real working environments including bars and restaurants areas.
The six-week program was a collaboration with online training organisation Allara Learning, with support from the Queensland Government Department of Education and Training. It concluded this morning with a gala breakfast at the stadium, where graduates could showcase their new skills to guests comprising industry, government and importantly, employers.
The program is a result of the team’s commitment to making a positive contribution to community, and included individualised support by a dedicated Cowboys mentor.
“Whether returning to the work force, changing career pathways or just formalising industry skills with accreditation, the combination of quality training and mentor support that then links to paid employment is a model that works,” said Greg Tonner, CEO of North Queensland Cowboys.
The students collectively described the program they completed as “excellent” and expressed their simple goal of gaining employment in the hospitality sector. The 20 graduates left with a nationally-recognised qualification.
“The purpose of the program is about finding employment in pubs and hospitality for the participants,” Allara Learning marketing manager Dan Aspery told PubTIC.
Allara report today that 60 per cent of graduates have already found jobs, and on paths to better lives for themselves and their families.
“We are very proud to have partnered with the Cowboys on this tremendous initiative,” said Andrew Lewis, Allara Learning CEO.
Some of the guest in attendance included: Matt Bowen, Cowboys ambassador and ex-player; Sam Hoare, Cowboys player; Ministry Office in Townsville; Ruth Prideux and Karen Courtney of the Mercure Hotel, where six students have been placed for work experience.
“I now have a better understanding of the hospitality industry … I feel I am more organised and have learnt to be more positive and set goals,” reported graduate Rikki-Lee Parter.
