Celebrating our VTEC hospitality trainee graduates

Sodexo, for the second year, celebrates the success of Indigenous VTEC hospitality trainee graduates.

(Pictured above L-R: VTEC Graduates Lorraine Oldridge, Zachary Symmans, Allistar Yarran, Thomas Betts, Mykel Councillor, Topanga Meunier, Jessica Reid, Emily Lang, Ronald Smith)

Sodexo, in partnership with GenerationOne, atWork Australia and Polytechnic West hosted an employment graduation ceremony at Kuditj for students of Sodexo’s Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) Hospitality program.

The program aims to provide sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers in WA and equip trainees with the skills to kick-start their careers within the resources hospitality sector.

Sodexo achieved this in partnership with atWork Australia and their partner the Matera Foundation, which provided a pre-employment fitness, health and lifestyle program for the programs participants and Polytechnic West which provided off-the-job training in Certificate II Hospitality.

The VTEC work-ready program is delivered sensitively to support Indigenous cultures and ways of working. The program not only educates students in the catering and hospitality field but also prepares them for remote life and FIFO working.

Awards were presented to graduates by Sodexo Director of Mining – Australia, Leanne Graham and Polytechnic West Managing Director, Jill Jamieson.

Thirteen of the eighteen trainees who commenced the program graduated on 4 November, 2015. This outcome is testament to the effectiveness of the VTEC model, which is designed to provide holistic support to the jobseeker while meeting the specific needs of the employer. 

(Pictured above L-R: Leanne Graham Mining Director Australi, Lorraine Oldridge VTEC graduate, Allistar Yarran VTEC graduate, Zachary Symmans (back) VTEC graduate, Thomas Betts VTEC graduate, Peter Matera (back) Matera Foundation, Topanga Meunier VTEC graduate, Mykel Councillor (Back) VTEC graduate, Jessica Reid (Front) VTEC graduate, Emily Lang (Back) VTEC graduate, Ronald Smith VTEC graduate, Jill Jamieson  Managing Director Polytechnic West, Michael Wear (Back) VTEC Program Coordinator at Work Australia, Matthew O’Sullivan Generation One)

Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion, Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs says: “Assisting Indigenous people into meaningful work is one of the Government’s highest priorities in Indigenous Affairs and I congratulate the graduates on successfully completing the Sodexo Hospitality Program 2015. Their successful graduation from the program shows what can be achieved when committed participants such as the graduates, the Australian Government, VTEC providers and employers increase employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians. Importantly, their achievements demonstrate that the VTEC model connects job seekers with guaranteed jobs in the fields they are training for. I wish the graduates all the best in their future careers.”

Wendy Dawson, General Manager Indigenous and Community Engagement, Australia, says: “Sodexo is delighted to continue as a host employer to the VTEC program, in a collaboration that shares our vision to provide quality learning and real opportunities within a culturally safe environment. Today is a great example of how the academic achievement of the VTEC graduates has translated to real employment. We know that our VTEC program is changing peoples’ lives and this is evidenced by the focus and determination shown every day by the group. We wish them all the best and welcome them into the Sodexo family.”

Rob Gordon, CEO of the WorkFocus Group and its specialist employment services arm, atWork Australia, says: “The VTEC model, which includes employment services, training and mentoring, secures sustainable employment for Indigenous jobseekers… not just a job, but a role that jobseekers are trained for, supported in, and which is expressly needed by committed employers like Sodexo. We feel enormously privileged to deliver this service on behalf of the Australian Government, and are particularly proud to be involved in this program which creates life-changing employment opportunities and breaks down training and workplace barriers for Indigenous jobseekers.”

Polytechnic West Managing Director Jill Jamieson says: “It is encouraging to see the positive results the VTEC program has brought about. It is a testament to both the hard work of the students and the strong network of employers and training providers the VTEC program affords. Polytechnic West is committed to working with our employer partners like Sodexo, to ensure Aboriginal employment outcomes continue to be met and exceeded.”