Premier congratulates Queensland’s first six-star graduates

Premier congratulates Queensland’s first six-star graduates 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has congratulated Queensland’s first six-star hospitality training program graduates, as the state prepares for an international tourism boom following the approval of developments such as the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project.

As founding partners in the Queensland Hotel and Hospitality School, TAFE Queensland and The Star Entertainment Group developed the six-star International Hospitality Service Program to meet the demand for high end skills.

“These first 14 graduates have a bright future ahead as Queensland readies itself for an estimated 8000 operational jobs, in addition to 2000 construction jobs, from the $3 billion Queen’s Wharf development alone,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“They can graduate with the confidence that they are the best in the business, and that there are great jobs waiting for them.

“I want every young Queenslander to experience that level of confidence as they graduate,”

“That’s why I’m focused on creating jobs.”

The Premier joined graduates at Treasury Casino & Hotel, along with some of Queensland’s largest hotel groups and industry partners, including: Hilton Brisbane, Palazzo Versace, Hotel Jen Brisbane, NEXT Hotels Brisbane, the Royal International Convention Centre, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Sofitel Brisbane Central and Sea World Resort & Waterpark.

“This unprecedented collaboration between many of Queensland’s leading global brands speaks volumes about the vital role TAFE Queensland plays in delivering industry relevant training and collaboration which benefits our entire economy,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“That’s why my government has strengthened and reinvested in TAFE, because it plays such an important role in delivering the skills we need now, and in the future.”

The Star Entertainment Group is part of the Destination Brisbane Consortium which will deliver Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, a $3 billion Integrated Resort Development containing five new hotels, 50 new bars and restaurants, plus a variety of new retail, entertainment and public event spaces.

“We are proud to work with TAFE Queensland to develop these new six-star training courses and help raise the service culture in south east Queensland,” Group CEO Matt Bekier said.

“Our partnership with TAFE Queensland is about jobs for Queenslanders and taking our training to a level where we can compete with the best in the world.

“We are forecasting an additional 1.39 million tourists to visit Queen’s Wharf Brisbane each year once it opens in 2022, with much of the inbound tourism coming from Asia. These are visitors who will be looking for authentic tourism experiences including local food, wine and dining,” he said.

“Ensuring we have the best trained staff will enhance Queensland as a “must go” destination for international travellers.”

TAFE Queensland Brisbane General Manager Aaron Devine said the first 14 students to complete the new International Hospitality Service Program were trained in delivering five and six-star food and beverage service including fine dining service, food and wine-matching, barista skills; operating a bar; providing advice on beers, spirits, liqueurs, Australian and imported wines; as well as providing silver service.

“These students are the future of Queensland’s six-star tourism industry,” Mr Devine said.

“They have done a magnificent job, setting high standards and thriving in both the classroom and our world class partner hotels and convention centres.”

“TAFE Queensland is at the forefront of delivering talented Queenslanders to take important roles at major projects like Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.

“We are working closely with industry to deliver highly skilled workforces as the trusted provider of vocational education.” Mr Devine said.

More details on the Queensland Hotel and Hospitality School program is available at http://tafebrisbane.edu.au/qhhs 

Media contacts: 

Premier’s Office: 0428 098 437 

TAFE QLD Brisbane: 0402 310 135