With Australia’s domestic and international travellers on the rise, TAFE Queensland has partnered with the Brisbane Airport Hotels Group to deliver a tailored pathway into the Australian hotel industry for migrants and refugees.As COVID-19 swept across the global stage in 2020, international border closures sent the tourism sector into realms unknown. That April, Australia’s international travellers dropped to just over 2,000 entrants compared to January’s 766,587.
While thousands of businesses grappled with the change, the Brisbane Airport Hotels Group endeavoured to stay on the forward foot. As borders reopened and restrictions dwindled, the group approached TAFE Queensland with a request for a unique training
solution.
As a provider of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), TAFE Queensland delivers critical language support to migrants and refugees with limited English language skills.
The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. TAFE Queensland educator Sally Carvill said, “We quickly realised there was a unique opportunity here to match unprecedented recruitment needs with students who are so
eager to get their foot in the door.”
“For migrants and refugees, finding that first job in Australia can be remarkably difficult.
They’re dealing with language barriers, a different workplace culture, and no local references to offer. It’s hard.” TAFE Queensland’s Bracken Ridge campus was abuzz as the AMEP hotel training program debuted to a cohort of thirteen migrants and refugees from Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Brazil, El Salvador, and Myanmar.
At the helm, TAFE Queensland educators delivered nine weeks of customised training in collaboration with the Brisbane Airport Hotels Group. Course content focused on industry vocabulary, internal processes, workplace culture, and simulated activities.
After brushing up on their skills, the students took their first steps into the Australian workforce with a week-long work placement at the Ibis and Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotels.
For Brisbane Airport Hotels Group Training Coordinator Peter Mara, the course was an instant success.
“This is probably the best program we’ve run,” Peter said.
TAFE Queensland Media Contact
Samantha Chariton, Marketing & Comms Officer, TAFE Queensland English Language & Literacy Services P: (07) 3244 5187 | M: 0408 707 229 | E: samantha.chariton@tafeqld.edu.au.au “We’ve run a few programs with TAFE Queensland before. This is the first time I’ve seen the students so involved in it and wanting to get something out of it at the end—not only the English, which is great, but a role as well.”
At the outset of their placements, the group toured the hotel facilities, met with staff, and participated in orientation.
Students were then matched with trainers (from the same language background, where possible) to engage in on-the-job training, including room housekeeping, trolley preparation, WH&S sessions, and regular meetings with supervisors.
After reuniting with the students after their placements, Sally was astounded by the difference.
“The difference in the students’ demeanours after their placements was incredible,” she said. “We witnessed an immediate upshift in confidence, language skills, motivation—it truly was a force of forward momentum.”
The Brisbane Airport Hotels Group announced that recruitment sessions would be held with students on graduation day. In preparation, teachers supported students to update their resumes, practise interview skills and complete employment application forms.
Following an emotional graduation ceremony, students attended one-on-one interviews with Peter, the HR Training Coordinator, and Rachael, the Housekeeping Executive Manager.
Incredibly, every single student received an offer of employment on the spot.
“We hope to have this rolling out every quarter, if we can—as many as we can,” said Peter Mara. “We’re looking to build the relationship with TAFE Queensland so that we can continue to train and develop people—firstly for their English, but also to provide them with a career at the end of it, which is what we’re all about.”
Six students have since commenced work with the Brisbane Airport Hotels Group, with more expected to start at a later date.
We’re very happy with the people who have come on board. All the students have been engaging, have taken advice on board, and want to come here and learn,” said Peter Mara.
After an outstanding debut, the partnership between TAFE Queensland and the Brisbane Airport Hotels Group has evolved into an ongoing opportunity. The next round of enrolments are expected to open in early 2023.
