Pursue a Tourism Career

You can start your career journey at school by undertaking a range of training options and considering a part-time or casual job.

Entry level skills

If you’re looking for a job in tourism and hospitality, it’s a good idea to have entry level skills. Some basic skill sets and courses to consider:

• Responsible service of alcohol (RSA) (SITHFAB002). This is mandatory if serving alcohol.
• Espresso Machine Operation (Barista) (SITSS00048).
• Vocational Education and Training (VET). Refer to the school leavers’ guide to jobs and training for information on how VET can provide career pathways.

Alternatively, talk to your school guidance officer, career counsellor, VET coordinator or head of senior schooling to find out what options are available.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships enable you to work for an employer and train towards a recognised qualification while completing your secondary schooling and studying for your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or equivalent.

Part-time/casual employment

During high school you could consider getting a part-time or casual job in tourism. Check out the range of opportunities available at Work in Paradise.

School is done… what now? If you’d like to undertake further study in tourism and hospitality after high school, there are lots of organisations and programs to consider which can assist you in gaining the higher-level skills required to secure employment, advance your career or transition to university:

• TAFE Queensland
• Griffith University
• The University of Queensland
• Bond University
• University of the Sunshine Coast
• Central Queensland University
• James Cook University
• The Hotel School
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Access the skills and training you need to kick-start your career by seeing if you’re eligible for free or subsidised training in Queensland and explore funded courses.

The JobTrainer Fund offers fee-free (up to certificate III) and low-fee training (certificate IV and higher) so you can access the skills and training you’re after.

Certificate 3 Guarantee provides a subsidy to eligible Queenslanders to obtain their first post-school certificate III level qualification and increase their skills.

Higher Level Skills provides access to subsidised training in selected certificate IV level or above qualifications.

The Queensland Skills Gateway will help you find a VET course in Queensland. You can search courses, training providers, government funding and career pathways. Complete the questionnaire to find out if you are eligible for government subsidised training.

Through the Free TAFE for under 25s program, the Queensland Government covers the full cost of high priority training areas (including hospitality) for eligible Queenslanders.

The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network is the first point of contact for all apprenticeship queries. There are four apprenticeship network providers operating in Queensland that provide personalised advice and support services. These providers can also help you find alternative training if your career path is not suited to an apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in a salary paying job. Apprentices and trainees work towards the completion of a nationally recognised qualification while learning valuable skills at work and under the guidance of a training organisation.

Through the Free apprenticeships for under 25sprogram, the Queensland Government will cover the cost of your training when you choose a high priority apprenticeship or traineeship.