The tender was won across three employment regions: Wimmera Mallee, Murray Riverina, and Goulburn Murray.
Between April 2024 and June 2025, YMCLC will deliver nine rounds of the program: two in Wimmera Mallee, four in Murray Riverina, and three in Goulburn Murray.
The Hospitality Essentials program offers a transformative 5-day intensive training, rapidly equipping participants with crucial skills and qualifications for immediate entry into the thriving hospitality industry.
Participants earn valuable, industry-recognised certifications such as:
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
- Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG)
- Safe Food Handling
- First Aid
The program also includes training in:
- Workplace health & safety
- Customer service and communication
- Motel housekeeping
- Barista machine operation
The program's success has already touched lives across the region, with successful deliveries in Albury (2 rounds), Tumut, Narrandera, and Euston (2 rounds).
YMCLC Executive Officer Julie-Anne Clarke said the program has remarkably impacted long-term unemployed individuals, improving their confidence, self-esteem, and mental health.
“It has also enhanced participants’ engagement with their Job Network providers, increasing their readiness for employment,” Ms Clarke said.
“Several participants have secured employment after completing the program, both in hospitality and related industries.
“Hospitality Essentials provides more than just qualifications; it offers participants the opportunity to build practical skills, regain confidence, and open doors to meaningful employment.
“The program demonstrates YMCLC’s ongoing commitment to address local skill shortages and to empowering individuals, creating opportunities for long-term unemployed people across the region.”
