550 new opportunities to get a job at Grand Central

GRAND Central and TAFE have announced a second retail training intake designed to fill the 1000 new jobs coming to the redeveloped shopping centre.

Grand Central centre manager Shaine Beveridge and Tafe director of corporate solutions Michele Berkhout . . Picture: Nev Madsen

GRAND Central and TAFE Queensland South West are helping Toowoomba job seekers reach their goal of employment.

Last month the two organisations announced a partnership to deliver practical, industry-relevant retail and hospitality training in the Toowoomba region.

Residents are able to kick-start their careers with the funding from Grand Central, which will support training for up to 550 places in retail and hospitality courses.

The initiative coincides with the $500 million transformation of the shopping centre and the influx of 1000 retail and hospitality jobs the development will bring once completed.

A second announcement was made this week which is bound to make job seekers happy.

Due to demand, a second retail training intake will start from Thursday, May 5.

Grand Central centre manager Shaine Beveridge said the first enrolled students studying retail and hospitality were now into their third week of classes.

Mr Beveridge said he was happy people were taking advantage of the subsidised training.

"We're excited to be investing in people from the Toowoomba community to help enhance local employment opportunities - whether at Grand Central or at other retail or hospitality businesses in the region."

TAFE Queensland South West retail teacher Jo Troisi said she was impressed with the first intake of retail and hospitality students.

"The students who have signed up are eager to learn and they will be rewarded when they build great service skills and knowledge which will differentiate them as candidates when applying for jobs," she said.

"With the number of retail and hospitality jobs in the region growing there's never been a better time to train to get your foot in the door.

"I'd encourage anyone who is interested to visit us on campus or call our customer service team to find out how they can be part of this great program."

Hospitality student Jake McDonald is among the initial cohort who have taken advantage of the partnership.

Mr McDonald said that while starting a new course could be nerve-racking, completing it was worth it to gain an edge when applying for work.

"I enrolled because I need a job and I've always wanted to work in the hospitality industry. Having a qualification under my belt will definitely help," he said.

"While I may not ultimately end up with a career in hospitality, I will gain transferable skills that I can use in whatever industry I end up in."

To enrol in upcoming retail and hospitality courses phone TAFE Queensland South West on 1300914754 or visit tafesouthwest.edu.au

Originally published as 550 new opportunities to get a job at Grand Central