Partnership helping migrants STEP into hospitality careers

STEP Graduation photo credit: Rod Thompson Hospitality STEP graduates L-R: Jemimah Kisa, Humulkhair Bukola Daidu, Sazia Irfan, Kashia Umar Khan, and Man Maya Archya. Photo: Rod Thompson.

Six women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have successfully graduated from a program designed to support people into hospitality roles in Northern Tasmania.

The Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) is run by Welcome Cultural Services (originally the Migrant Resource Centre Northern Tasmania). The Program combines job-readiness workshops, mentoring, workplace exposure and employer engagement to create sustainable pathways into employment. The Hospitality STEP Program is supported by TasTAFE, who deliver practical, industry-standard training to participants. Together, the organisations provide an environment where learning is accessible, responsive and meaningful.

“Partnerships like Welcome Cultural Services and TasTAFE are important because they bring together different strengths that people need at the same time. That kind of joined-up support makes a real difference, especially for people who may be navigating language barriers, unfamiliar systems and a new job market at the same time,” said STEP Program Officer Jesse Elcombe.

The first cohort of Hospitality STEP participants received training from TasTAFE Cookery Teacher Neville Bowden and Hospitality Teacher Kylie Allen at TasTAFE’s Paterson Street Campus in Launceston. Training in industry standard kitchens offered the women an opportunity to learn in a ‘real environment’ while undertaking accredited training – giving them recognised skills and a clear pathway into employment.

“The participants were all engaged, keen to learn and put their skills into practice,” said TasTAFE’s Regional and Industry Engagement Manager David Dunn.

“They had commitment and passion, and this was certainly evident during the practical elements of the training program – especially the cookery side of things.”

Of the 7 participants, 6 completed the full program and 3 have already secured employment. One of the participants partially completed the program due to also having secured a job.

“What has stood out to us is that the participants are not simply looking for a job, they are looking for belonging, stability, routine, confidence and the opportunity to be part of the wider community. They want to use their strengths, keep learning and build a future here,” said Jesse.

“We would absolutely recommend partnering with TasTAFE to other organisations. From our experience, they have committed to making the training meaningful, practical and accessible, and that has been a key part of the success of the Program.”

The second cohort of the Hospitality STEP Program is due to begin their training later this month. Hospitality STEP is funded by the Australian Government.