Fab four fully primed to plate up

FOUR proud TAFE students from ARC Disability Services swapped their aprons for certificates at this month’s graduation ceremony.

Lisa, Jimmy, Alex and Adam spent 12 months studying and doing on-the-job training as they worked towards a Certificate II in Hospitality.

They are now looking forward to career opportunities in the hospitality field.

“I have learned how to make food and drinks,” Jimmy said. “I would like to work with little kids at a tuckshop in a school.”

TAFE Queensland North hospitality trainer Kerri Maruff said the students’ passion for learning was what propelled them to their success.

“The students have been really impressive with their enthusiasm, motivation and general desire to learn front of house skills since the beginning of the course,” she said.

“They are inspiring, not letting any barrier get in the way of their learning.”

TAFE Queensland North general manager Joann Pyne said the students had been a welcome addition to the Cairns campus.

“It has been a real privilege for our teachers to help these young individuals learn more about table service, barista skills, food preparation and cooking techniques,” she said.

The TAFE training project was the first of its kind offered through ARC Disability Services and TAFE Queensland North and was funded through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

ARC Disability Services CEO Benjamin Keast said the project was a great step forward for students wanting to further their education and move on to employment.

“ARC is always looking for ways to further support individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations and this has been an exciting project for all involved,” he said.

The students received their certificates on December 2.