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3 September, 2024

NITA marks a milestone 700 young Indigenous hospitality graduates since inception

Edited by Travel Weekly

Another  26 young Indigenous Australians proudly graduated from the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) at a special ceremony held at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu over the weekend, marking more than 700 graduates since the program’s inception in 2011.

Administered by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, NITA delivers nationally recognised Level III certification traineeships in Hospitality at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu Northern Territory and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, QLD, providing important pathways to employment for young Indigenous Australians.

“We’re so incredibly proud of each and every NITA graduate who has worked so hard for their qualifications,” Voyages CEO, Matt Cameron-Smith, said.

“This ceremony marks one of our largest cohorts yet, with 26 graduates celebrating and a milestone 700 young Indigenous Australians who have now completed the program since its inception.

“NITA offers aspiring young people a unique opportunity to learn, earn and live onsite with comprehensive support on their hospitality or tourism journey. NITA delivers important and consistent pathways to employment for Indigenous Australians, with market-leading, nationally accredited qualifications setting them up for career success.”

Matt Cameron-Smith, Senator Don Farrell and Rick Allert at Uluru.

The event was attended by a number of VIPs, including the proud trainees and their families; senior Anangu community members (Traditional Owners of Uluṟu); Federal Minister for Trade & Tourism, Senator Don Farrell; Voyages board members as well as senior executives from Voyages and parent organisation, the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC).

“I congratulate all the graduates for successfully completing their Certificate III in hospitality,” Minister Farrell said.

“The talent and skills of the graduates is a testament to the hard-working staff who prepare their students for a career in Australia’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector.

“My hope for each of the graduates is that this is the start of an exciting and fulfilling career in an industry that I began my working life in and remain passionate about.

“Australia is home to spectacular experiences, natural wonders, and the world’s oldest living culture –  which we are proud to share with visitors from across the world.”

Alkira Mippy of Perth, WA, graduated over the weekend, saying learning how to make coffeee was one of her favourite NITA experiences.

“NITA has been good because I’ve learned every new thing out here that I didn’t think I’d learn, like making coffee, serving customers,” she said.

“My favourite thing is how to make coffee, I love doing latte art. Working with the other trainees, you get along really well. I plan to stay here full time, and keep working in F&B. To any other young people thinking about NITA, come out and give it a go. It’s a great experience to learn new skills.”  

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