Tourism NSW continues it’s traineeship success

The Tourism NSW Traineeship Program is continuing its success in training young people for careers in the tourism industry. 

The Executive Director and General Manager of Tourism NSW, John O’Neill, said each year around 90 per cent of graduates gained employment in the tourism industry.

“We are on track to meet the target again this year with trainees from the 2005 group now working at Australian Outback Travel, Rydges Jamison Sydney, Aero-Care, The Menzies Group and Cover More Travel Insurance,” Mr O’Neill said.

“The goal of the Traineeship Program is to get students on a career path in the tourism industry and the results show that we’re achieving this. The program has been running since 1996 and has trained around 260 young people,” he said.

A graduation ceremony was held for 20 trainees from last year and the presentation of the 2005 Sam Fiszman Award for Trainee of the Year at the Hilton Sydney on Monday.

“The $23 billion NSW tourism industry is a significant employer providing 250,000 jobs in this state,” Mr O’Neill said.

“The Tourism NSW Traineeship Program combines on-the-job training and work experience at Tourism NSW with the Certificate III in Tourism – Visitor Information Services at the Sydney Institute of TAFE in Ultimo,” he said.

Danielle Robinson, 19 from Raby, received the Sam Fiszman Award for Trainee of the Year. She received a sponsorship of $1,500 from Tourism NSW to spend on further study or development of her career.

“Danielle was selected for consistently showing great initiative and an exceptional can-do attitude,” Mr O’Neill said.

“Her strength as a team player, commitment to customer service, intelligence, friendly disposition, efficient work style and hard work made her deserving of the award,” he said.

Tourism NSW was so impressed with Danielle that it has employed her, along with her colleague Katelyn Rimmer, within the organisation.

The Sam Fiszman Award for Trainee of the Year was created in memory of a former Chairman of Tourism NSW, Sam Fiszman, who had a strong commitment to training and giving young people the opportunity to enter the tourism industry. Sam was Chairman of Tourism NSW from 1995 to 2002 and this is the fourth year the Award has been given to an exceptional trainee.

Sam initiated the Meet and Greet program which later became the Tourism NSW Traineeship Program.

During the Traineeship Program the students work in the Tourism NSW Strategic Operations division in Visitor Services alongside Sydney Ambassador Volunteers. They represent Tourism NSW in person at Information Kiosks in Town Hall, Martin Place, Circular Quay and the Airport – and provide information over the phone in the Call Centre.

It is an important role because in many cases they are the first contact visitors or potential visitors have with NSW. Tourism NSW is expanding the role of the trainees this year to include work in other divisions of the organisation.

Sam Fiszman’s wife Esther and his son Robert attended the ceremony on Monday. Robert Fiszman presented the awards with the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Sandra Nori.

During the ceremony three students – Nathan Spare, Stephen Jones and Jacqueline Coller were recognised by TAFE NSW for achieving outstanding academic results in the Certificate III in Tourism – Visitor Information Services last year. The three graduates received merit certificates and gift vouchers from TAFE.

Tourism NSW Traineeship Program graduates with (bottom row from left): Robert Fiszman, Acting Institute Director, TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, Susan Hartigan, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Sandra Nori, Esther Fiszman, Executive Director and General Manager, Tourism NSW, John O’Neill, (second row far left) TAFE Teacher in Travel and Tourism, Rebecca Cocks and (second row far right) Visitor Services Coordinator, Tourism NSW, David Moretti.