Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

School Students Find First Job Success On Hamilton Island

One of the country’s most famous island resorts is now working with local youth, offering a range of job opportunities to school students between the age of 15 and 18 years old.

Hamilton Island is increasingly becoming a valued source of employment to many people residing on the mainland in the Greater Airlie Beach Area as it is a short and scenic ferry ride away from home.

Making this regular commute across the turquoise waters, are local teenagers Foxx LaMonica, Zavier Goswell and Lukas Allen-Fancke.

The three young men are all 15 years old and have worked in the food and beverage department at Sails Restaurant for the past two months.

“Working on Hamilton Island gives us something unmatched anywhere else,” said Zavier.

“It provides a learning experience and real-world skills that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Foxx agreed saying they had a “great environment to work in”.

“I love working in paradise and working with an amazing team,” he said.

“It teaches great life skills that we can take everywhere and, unlike other venues, Hamilton Island teaches professionalism.”

Lukas says he enjoys the calm ferry ride to work, the island’s natural beauty and meeting people from all over the world.

“Everyone is nice, kind and welcoming,” he said.

“It’s a fun place to work and I have learnt way more than I thought.”

With a variety of job roles on offer, including the island’s IGA, a porter at the hotel and food and beverage staff, Hamilton Island is a great way to gain experience in a number of areas and build towards a future career, or at the very least a solid resume.

CEO of Hamilton Island Peter Brulisauer was involved in setting up a similar ‘Junior Recruitment Program’ in his previous role at Perisher Resort. He said that as well as providing junior staff with ‘real life’ skills the young workforce  brings a fresh breath of air to the workforce.

“The teens have brought their youthful energy to the team, are diligent and hardworking and have fast become valued members of the team,” he said.

“It is a great opportunity to employ these young members of the community and nurture our homegrown talent and help set them up for their future success.”

Each new member of staff begins their tenure with a full day orientation led by the People and Culture team before entering a four-week outlet specific orientation related to their job area.

Each week of the four focuses on a specific skill as part of their job each week.

In addition to the training, students can engage with Robert Oatley College, which is a great resource that provides the Hamilton Island community with the opportunity to train or cross train in a number of areas.

For example, students can complete a Barista or Premium Wine course or get a forklift license for a role in logistics or even an exemption 38 or Coxswain qualification for Sea Service.

“The students have quickly become members of the close-knit staff community on Hamilton Island,” said Mr Brulisauer.

“And we look forward to welcoming more students to the island community as we move closer to the festive season.”

The opportunities are endless at Hamilton Island and first-job seekers who have a can-do attitude and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Applicants simply need to be between 15 and 18, have a Queensland or National Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate and in some cases a driver’s licence.

Hamilton Island is a tourist hot-spot and an ideal location for your first job

15-year-old staff members, Lukas Allen-Fancke, Zavier Goswell and Foxx LaMonica

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