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TrainUP Program helps Yetsedaw secure his future

Announcement posted by BUSY At Work 12 Oct 2016

Hotel Houseman Yetsedaw Dessie has come a long way since arriving in Australia in February this year.

The former Ethiopian migrant who is working towards gaining permanent residency status hasn’t looked back after completing his Certificate II in Hospitality at the Hotel Jen, in Brisbane.

BUSY At Work Project Coordinator/Mentor, Valerie Osburn said despite facing numerous barriers to gaining employment, Yetsedaw had shown great application and determination to gain work in a field he is well suited to.

Valerie said Yetsedaw had initially linked with BUSY as a participant in the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative called TrainUP.

BUSY At Work along with Registered Training Organisation, Smart Skill is delivering the 12 week program which is designed to help 15-24 year olds, mature aged jobseekers over 45 years, disadvantaged jobseekers and culturally and linguistically diverse people gain a qualification and get a job in the hospitality industry.

“After completing the TrainUP program we assisted Yetsedaw by helping him with his resume and contacting prospective employers. We also helped him with transportation and clothing for the interview with Australian Hospitality Services (AHS).”

“Yetsedaw was always very reliable and welcoming throughout the program and he now has the confidence to succeed in his chosen career.”

“We are delighted that he has been able to secure a permanent job with AHS and is still employed four months later,” Mrs Osburn said.

Valerie said the third intake for the TrainUP Program was now underway and the next intake in January next year already has a waiting list.

“The program has been a great success with around 65% of those completing the

Certificate II in Hospitality gaining employment in the field,” Mrs Osburn added.

Since joining AHS, Yetsedaw has been kept busy learning about the health and safety standards required for good housekeeping as well as how to clean and maintain guest rooms and furnishings.

“It’s a physical job and the other staff are always very helpful,” Mr Dessie said. 

Yetsedaw said he and his wife, who is expecting a child soon were thankful for the support provided by BUSY At Work and Smart Skill.

“Getting a permanent job has changed my life. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Hospitality and my wife and I can now look forward to a wonderful future here in Australia,” Mr Dessie added.

BUSY At Work, CEO Paul Miles said that BUSY was pleased to be delivering the TrainUP program and providing support for disadvantaged job seekers and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

“It’s great to see Yetsedaw progressing so well with his qualification.  We really wish him every success and happiness as he progresses throughout his career,” Mr Miles said.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides skills development, training and job opportunities to unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.