Students given recipe for success

Nine young hospitality workers have graduated from a joint Kimberley Group Training and Kimberley Training Institute last week.

The pre-employment program’s end was celebrated at an industry cocktail party, with apprentices demonstrating their skills at serving drinks and creating canapes at the Pearler’s Shed.

KGT senior field officer Kevin Smith said the eight-week structured program, which visited two resorts as practical experience, had produced a fine batch of ready-for-work individuals and he had eaten at the student-run café earlier in the month, rating it “absolutely beautiful, the service was great”.

“If you met them on day one you wouldn’t recognise this group, the transformation’s just been amazing — they’ve blossomed, they have come on leaps and bounds,” he said.

“They’ve all worked hard, if we had another six months in the program I don’t think they would be any more ready than they are now, the main thing is they have confidence and are motivated it’s time to put it to the test and give them the opportunity.”

Two of the nine graduates have made a move already, with Bradley Angus securing an apprentice chef position at Kimberley Sands and Patrick George securing a trial last week at Aarli Bar as an apprentice chef.

Also present on the night were students Annmarie “Anna” Kelly, aspiring chef Ken Andrews, tour guide hopeful Tiara Lawford, Michael Hart, Caleb Clifton, 17 , all-rounder Christopher Dann and Micheala “Teena” Lawford.

KTI portfolio manager Brian Burrough said the program, which has grown on local support and practical experience, had succeeded in theory and the final test would be to have all students secure employment.

“The group has responded really well, now it’s a case for them to make that link to employees because at the end of the day they are role models for local employment and that’s what local employers are looking for — the opportunity is there and they are doing something worthwhile,” he said.