BUNDANON WORK READINESS PROGRAM TO LAUNCH NEW CAREERS
16 June 2021
A joint program funded by the NSW Government and delivered by the region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra, will today launch a new Shoalhaven-based program to prepare young people for jobs in hospitality and tourism at the soon-to-be completed Bundanon Art Museum.
The Bundanon Work Readiness Program will be delivered through the Illawarra YES program and provide local young people with the opportunity to get the training required to work in the new roles created by this project, according to Illawarra YES Coordinator, Mr Glenn Fairweather.
“The Art Museum is part of a master-planned project and is being built on the banks of the Shoalhaven River at the beautiful site of Bundanon. The completed project will include a new art museum, creative learning centre, visitor information centre, accommodation and café,” said Mr Fairweather.
“We know that there are skills shortages facing a number of businesses across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast regions, particularly in hospitality and tourism sectors. We are incredibly proud to partner with the NSW Government to deliver the Illawarra YES program and, in doing so, address workforce shortages and provide diverse and promising opportunities for young, local job seekers.”
“The Bundanon Work Readiness Program is a timely and very welcome initiative that will ultimately prepare job seekers for roles as Museum Guides, Operations Assistants and Accommodation Support opportunities as well as other exciting roles.”
“The new Art Museum, which is scheduled to open in late 2021, will position Bundanon as a national and international cultural destination. This is an exciting development for the regions tourism industry and the associated economic and employment benefits are clear.”
“Over the next 12-to-18 months, new roles in front of house, event support, museum reception, housekeeping and grounds maintenance will open up in the new Art Museum, education facilities and associated accommodation and café at Bundanon.”
“Formal training will be delivered in August this year, with units on customer service, responsible service of alcohol, housekeeping and cultural sensitivity among other areas. This training will be supplemented by a work experience program to ensure participants are work ready for the many employment opportunities to come with this project.”
“The Bundanon Work Readiness Program is being delivered in cooperation with other regional stakeholders and I encourage anyone who is interested to send their resume to Mr Peter O’Kelly at Peter.OKelly1@tafensw.edu.au,” said Mr Fairweather.
Funded by the NSW Government and delivered by Business Illawarra, IllawarraYES aims to connect young people with the right skills and qualifications needed to secure jobs within key industries across the region.