Young Gold Coasters have kickstarted their careers with the first round of 2019 free tafe students heading to the classroom.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman visited TAFE Queensland's Southport campus and met some of the newest hospitality students studying to earn a Certificate III in Hospitality for free.
"Hospitality is an exciting career, especially in Queensland, as we continue to grow our reputation as a culinary destination," Ms Fentiman said.
"The world class training provided by TAFE Queensland is delivering wonderful results with more than 85% of graduates getting a job or going onto further training."
"We want to make sure our young Queenslanders have access to the best training for the jobs of tomorrow."
"Free tafe for Year 12 graduates supports nearly 160 qualifications, including nine available here at TAFE Queensland's Southport campus, including commercial cookery, community services and education support."
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon encouraged recent year 12 graduates on the Gold Coast to consider the exciting opportunities vocational education and training can provide.
"Vocational education and training is so important in many industries and launches people into rewarding careers," Ms Scanlon said.
"Younger students and their parents should also consider signing up for a VET in School program and earning a nationally recognised vocational qualification while they are in Year 11 or 12."
"I encourage any recent year 12 graduates, still deciding what to do this year to consider the exciting career opportunities free tafe can provide."
Moana West graduated from Beenleigh State High School last year with a Certificate III in Screen and Media thanks to the VET in School program and had thought she wouldn't be able to afford any further education after school without free tafe for Year 12 graduates.
"I see a positive future for myself in the hospitality industry and I can even see myself working for five-star establishments in either front or back of house positions," Moana said.
"I'm glad this course is exposing me to all facets of the hospitality industry and getting job ready skills and experience can only help progress my career."
Kendra West graduated from Pimpama State College unsure if she would be able to afford to keep learning after school until her guidance counsellor told her about free tafe.
"The Free TAFE funding has allowed me to make a difference and change my future positively," Kendra said.
"The Jobs Queensland Tourism Workforce Plan indicates that as the tourism industry continues to grow it is forecasted that we will need over 20,000 more Queenslanders in tourism jobs by 2020," Ms Fentiman said.
"We want young Queenslanders to be able to get the skills and training they need to build a lifelong career and fill the jobs of the future."
We are currently supporting more than 700 young Gold Coasters with free training.
Free tafe for Year 12 graduates is available in the calendar year after students graduate.
Eligibility criteria, advice for people interested in taking up a training course and other information on accessing this free training funded by the Queensland Government is available from www.training.qld.gov.au/home/freetafe.
For extra help and support, call the Training Queensland Customer Centre on 1300 369 935.
