Job seekers benefit from ETC training program

Enterprise and Training Company (ETC) is excited to be working with Rydges and Sails Port Macquarie to provide workplace based training for local job seekers as part of ETC’s WorkIT Program.

The two week intensive training courses ‘WorkIT Food & Beverage’ and ‘WorkIT Housekeeping’ was designed to provide students with valuable insight into what it’s like working in the Hospitality industry.

One student who took full advantage of the work-based training was Port Macquarie youth Neil Urquhart who completed the ‘WorkIT Food & Beverage’ at Rydges Port Macquarie and was offered a position at the end of the work placement

“I haven’t had any previous work experience in the Hospitality industry, but I know that I have strong work ethic – so this gave me the opportunity to prove that,” said Neil.

“I really enjoyed the program. It was fast paced and I learned a lot on the job.”

During the first week of theory based learning, Neil and the students learned about personal hygiene and self-grooming to ensure they were up to the standards of the venue.

“We also looked at Work Health and Safety (WHS) covering the venue’s procedures, evacuation plans and things to be cautious of (e.g. loose wires and floor spillage),” he said.

“The second week of training was all practical. This included a tour of the venue, learning how to operate the kegs and restock the bar. On my final day I worked at the “Ladies in Red” event which had 200 patrons we had serve – it was quite fun.”

Kyra Tumes who undertook the ‘WorkIT Housekeeping’ at Sails Resort hopes to gain a career in this industry and become a Manager herself one day.

During their first week of training Kyra and her fellow students learned about chemicals and safe Housekeeping procedures.

“Then I completed a week’s work placement at Sails. It was so beautiful and all the staff were lovely and welcoming. I was paired up with an existing Housekeeping team member and we did lots of practical work – it was great,” she said.

“I really enjoyed my time training here. I’d definitely recommend this course, I’ve learned so much.”

ETC’s Lower Mid North Coast Training Manager Paula Skinner said ETC was committed to working with employers to meet their needs and finding sustainable employment for local job seekers.

“These programs focus on students learning as a small group directly in industry whilst under the supervised guidance of their trainer/ coach. These programs provide students with the opportunity to “learn by doing” whilst developing strong relations with customers and other staff,” said Ms Skinner.

If you would like to learn more about ETC’s award-winning WorkIT training model, which can be applied to the Aged Care, Hospitality, Retail and Child Care industries, then contact your local ETC Training Manager:

• Gold Coast – Sharon Mandel, 0408 894 192
• North Coast – Ben McRae, 0437 493 696
• Coffs Coast/Upper Mid North Coast – Melissa Eichmann, 0437 673 415
• Lower Mid North Coast – Paula Skinner, 0427 712 625