74 qualified, job-ready graduates take on Townsville work force

74 job-ready North Queenslanders have supercharged the local industries after graduating from the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ program.

Cowboy House, Talitha Ottaviano, Fiona Gray and Sian Evans, graduated with a Certificate III in Hospitality. Picture: Shae Beplate.

An ambitious group of 74 qualified, job-ready North Queenslanders have supercharged the local Hospitality and Individual Support industries after graduating from the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ Dream, Believe, Achieve program.

Friday’s graduation ceremony marked the first time the program celebrated graduates from its 14-week Certificate III in Individual Support with an additional 65 completing a Certificate III in Hospitality.

More than 50 graduates from the 2023 cohorts are already putting their newly acquired qualifications and job-ready work experience to use, finding meaningful and ongoing paid employment throughout North Queensland, boosting local industry.

For Sian Evans, who has a three-year-old daughter, the program helped her get her very first job.

“I had to be independent for her and for myself. It’s changed my life a lot,” Ms Evans said.

“That feeling of getting up in the morning and putting your uniform on and your name badge, I love it.”

Cowboy House, Talitha Ottaviano, Fiona Gray and Sian Evans, graduated with a Certificate III in Hospitality. Picture: Shae Beplate.

But the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys’ Dream, Believe, Achieve program is not just for those starting out.

Fiona Gray joined the program to study a Certificate III in Hospitality in order to round out her resume and bolster her current experience in the workforce.

Cowboys House graduation ceremony celebrated 65 students obtaining their Certificate III in Hospitality. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“In the beginning, I felt like I was the oldest there but I looked around and said ‘You know what? No, I’m here for myself and I’m going to join the crew.’”

Ms Gray is currently completing her induction training at Queensland Country Bank Stadium saying she has been blessed by the opportunity,

“I’ve even explained the program to my niece and she’s come on this year for 2024.”

Albert Reuben, Dream, Believe, Achieve mentor, said he puts the program’s success down to the high number of employment rates with 80% of this year’s graduates receiving jobs.

Cowboys House students have graduated obtaining their Certificate III in Individual Support. Picture: Shae Beplate.

For Mr Reuben, seeing the graduates achieve their career goals and grow in confidence is what matters most.

“I love changing lives. For me it’s worth more than any paycheck,” he said.

“It’s seeing the student’s lives changed financially and their morale boosted. You know, we’ve got one student who finally purchased a car and I don’t know if he would have that opportunity, or it would have taken longer to get that opportunity, without the program.”

Supported by the Queensland Government, the training is delivered by program partners Allara Learning (Hospitality) and Selectability (Individual Support).

Cowboys Chief Community and Government Relations Officer Fiona Pelling said funding received from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training as part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program is instrumental in driving the continued success of the Dream Believe Achieve program.

“We are immensely grateful for the funding received that allows eligible participants to undertake and complete their studies at no cost while focusing on securing employment and building a brighter future.”

Hospitality graduates completed the intensive 10-week course across 4 intakes, including Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Gambling Services (RSG) qualifications and on-the-job work experience with Dream, Believe, Achieve’s 10 industry partners.

Individual Support graduates completed their 14-week course, including First Aid and CPR certificates, NDIS Screening (Yellow Card) and 120 hours of work placement to pursue career opportunities in disability, mental health and aged care.

The first intake for Dream, Believe, Achieve’s Certificate III in Hospitality commences on 22 January 2024. More information can be found at cowboys.com.au/DBA.

Originally published as 74 qualified, job-ready graduates take on Townsville work force