Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson today joined Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach to meet students undertaking tourism traineeships.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The Bligh Government is boosting tourism in outback Queensland while creating and supporting local jobs.
Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson today joined Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach to meet students undertaking tourism traineeships.
“The three students from Longreach State High School are on the way to earning a Certificate II in Tourism through the Australian College of Outback Tourism,” Mr Wilson said.
“Our investment in the college ensures there are enough skilled local workers in the region as the industry continues to grow.
“It’s part of our commitment to meeting the Toward Q2 target of having two-thirds of Queenslanders holding trade, training or tertiary qualifications by 2020.
“It’s also about keeping the industry growing and creating new career paths for young people in the outback.
“Year 11 and 12 students Doug Hall, Emma Barrett and Zoe Morris are currently working towards a Certificate II in Tourism
“Completing this qualification will help to prepare them for careers in the western Queensland tourism industry.
“They are learning about the history of the area, including its Indigenous history and the industries, such as cattle and sheep grazing, that have supported the development of Queensland’s central west.
Mr Lawlor said students were also taking advantage of some local tourism icons during their training.
“They’ve done some work experience here at the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame as part of their studies,” he said.
“This work experience is a great chance to get some hands on experience in the industry.
“They also joined students from Winton and Blackall State Schools on a week-long trip around the region meeting with local elders and learning about Indigenous tourism sites in the Longreach area.
“They visited the Skull Hole at Winton, Iningai Nature Park at Longreach and Mailman’s Gorge at Barcaldine over the course of the week.
“Western Queensland has a lot to offer tourists and it’s good to see students taking in all the cultural aspects of their local area.”
Media contact: Minister Wilson’s office: Jo Crompton or Emma Parnell on 3237 1000 Minister Lawlor’s office: Marcus Taylor on 3225 1005
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