YCI AUSTRALIA

The Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa wanted to strengthen its links with the local community and decided to set up YCI to help them achieve this ambition. The property has been successfully training young people since 2006, thus facilitating their transition into work life and helping them to make informed career choices.

The typical programme cycle sees students starting the training in February and finishing with a graduation ceremony in August of the same year. Many graduates have continued onto employment in the hospitality sector, whilst others have utilised the skills they have learned to follow new career paths.

Spotlight on Australia

Tourism is a vital industry for Australia. As of 2012, it currently generates $94 billion in spending and directly employs around half a million Australians. As a sector, tourism contributes $34 billion in GDP –that’s 2.5% of Australia’s total GDP. Tourism is Australia’s number one services export.

However, the country is facing rising unemployment from the continuing global downturn with young adults being hit the hardest. At the end of 2011, approximately 36% of 14-24 year olds remained unemployed and could continue to rise due to the lack of opportunities being created. The OECD has recommended for further investment towards education and programmes that are likely to maximise youth potential in relation to the labour market.

YCI Australia 2010 Graduation

The graduation ceremony for the 2010 YCI Australia programme took place at the Marriott Surfer’s Paradise Resort on the 19th August. All three participants successfully completed the six-month training programme and look forward to their respective careers in the hospitality industry.

The ceremony was attended by the family and friends of the participants, as well as members of the hotel staff. Carolyn Mason, Assistant Human Resources Manager at the hotel said of the graduates: “their speeches were a true testament to how much they have grown over the program.”