Migrant women across Western Sydney are sharpening their skills to launch a career in hospitality thanks to a new collaboration between TAFE NSW and community organisation Metro Assist. 

As part of the program, students learn essential employability skills while completing a Certificate I in Hospitality and Certificate II in Kitchen Operations at TAFE NSW Campbelltown. Students then hone their practical skills and experience at Pratten Park Community Sports and Bowling Club in Ashfield where they assist with catering for functions. 

Lakemba local Kawsara Begum came to Australia from Bangledesh in 2015 and is now successfully employed casually at Pratten Park Bowling Club thanks to the program.

“Since coming to Australia, TAFE NSW and Metro Assist have turned my life around  and have given me the confidence to launch my career in this country,” Kawsara said.

“It’s my dream to one day start a hospitality business of my own and now I have the practical skills to turn that into a reality.”

The cohort of migrant women now has a solid foundation of operational skills to work in the fast-paced hospitality industry as a function host, food and beverage attendant, or barista.

Metro Assist Chief Executive Officer, Lou Bacchiella, said the collaboration between TAFE NSW and Metro Assist was building strong career pathways for migrant women.

“We are so grateful for the support TAFE NSW has provided to these migrant women. They’ve achieved confidence, skills, and hands-on experience through this wonderful collaboration between TAFE NSW, the club, and our organisation,” Mr Bacchiella said. 

“The students have incorporated much of their cultural cuisine which has been a hit with diners.” 

The hospitality sector has grown steadily over the past 5 years despite COVID-19, making it one of the largest employing sub-sectors in Australia, which is largely attributed to a growing ‘foodie’ culture.1

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Hospitality Amanda Good said the program has improved the women’s confidence in the kitchen.

“Not only has the program taught these women practical skills needed in the industry, but it has also helped them develop their English language skills and manage a work-life balance, which are all very important soft skills,” Ms Good said.

“Many of the program participants have enjoyed the course so much they are now studying a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and Certificate IV in Patisserie at TAFE NSW.”

For more information on the hospitality courses on offer, visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/hospitality-courses or call 131 601.

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, Media and Communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211. 

1 https://nationalindustryinsights.aisc.net.au/industries/tourism-travel-and-hospitality/hospitality