New training centre for Far North Queensland

A new training centre to help Indigenous and other job seekers gain vocational qualifications and secure work in the tourism industry was launched today in Cairns by the Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor.

Mr O’Connor officially opened the Cairns and Ports Trips & Attractions (CaPTA) Training Centre.

The CaPTA Training Centre has been established in partnership with the Career Training Institute of Australia to provide nationally accredited hospitality and tourism training with qualifications recognised throughout Australia.

The CaPTA Training Centre will provide nationally accredited hospitality and tourism training for both CaPTA employees and other trainees from across Far North Queensland.

“As one of the major tourism employers in the region, CaPTA is leading the way in linking with Indigenous communities to support economic development.”

The centre will offer various qualifications in Tourism and Hospitality Operations and is planning to offer Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation and Qualifications in Captive Animal Management

The Centre will also provide training in communication, conflict resolution, self-esteem and re-engagement programs.

The Australian Government has provided $186 000 for the CaPTA Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP) program.

“STEP provides a way for employers such as CaPTA to work in partnership with the Australian Government to provide workplace training and mentoring support to Indigenous people,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Indigenous participation in the labour market in Cairns is unacceptably low and many Indigenous people cannot access the job opportunities they need to move ahead,” Jim Turnour, Federal Member for Leichhardt said.

“The Australian Government is committed to halving the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within the next decade,” said Minister O’Connor.