QTIC roadshow introduces Queensland ‘school leavers’ to possibilities of hospitality and tourism careers

A recent Queensland Tourism Industry Roadshow held at the Cairns Convention Centre gave over 100 high school students from across Far North Queensland an insight into the workings of the tourism and hospitality industries.

The roadshow is part of a travelling series from Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) which commenced in 2021.

The day’s program included a cooking class with Cairns Convention Centre Executive Chef David Hart, a mixology masterclass with Lyres’ non-alcohol spirits Global Brand Ambassador Jeremy Shipley, a tourism hub with exhibitors offering career and course advice, a panel discussion with industry leaders and a behind the scenes look of the newly expanded event spaces at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Benjamin Boudaud, Culinary Services Director at the Cairns Convention Centre, said the roadshow was a great opportunity to showcase the wide variety of opportunities available in the tourism industry while helping to spark interest within students to the world of possibilities they have available to them.

Boudaud shared “Career roadshows like this are incredibly important as the tourism and the business events really starts to gather momentum once again.

“We need to attract new talent and people to the industry as we continue to rebuild and recover and a platform such as this allows us to share our passion while giving students a better understanding of the event industry.

“This event has allowed students to see first-hand there is so much more to an event than just the food and drink – there are the uniforms, rosters, the need to keep things clean, tidy and functioning. Then there is also the relationship we have with our clients, sales and audio visual, there is a lot to it.

“But, at the end of the day, we are in the business of making people happy. Passing by the mixology course, everyone was laughing and smiling, so regardless of whether the students choose a career in tourism, they had a great experience here.”

QTIC Chief Executive, Brett Fraser said that it is exciting to see students engaging with what the tourism industry has to offer and being inspired by the diversity of roles and opportunities.

Fraser added “The Regional Tourism Career Roadshow provides a fantastic opportunity for us to respond to the current workforce issues that have been identified as some of the biggest challenges for the tourism sector's recovery.

“Supporting emerging professionals and equipping them with the skills to face a challenging economic environment is now more important than ever. Not only does their future depend on it, but so does the future of our industry.”