CLIA, TAFE training pact

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has announced a major new partnership with TAFE NSW to launch a cruise industry traineeship program.

Revealed at the Cruise360 conference in Sydney today, the alliance aims to encourage a more coordinated approach to attracting new entrants to the cruise retail sector.

“With so many varied business models in the travel sector now concentrating on the lucrative cruise market, this type of program not only provides the people and skills to fill new employment needs in retail roles, but more importantly is tailored specifically for each business requirement,” said Peter Kollar, CLIA head of international training and development.

He said while the program was only available to NSW residents at this stage, it was designed to expand as demand increased.

The program focuses on cruise sales agents and reservations teams, and starts with assistance from Apprenticeship Support Australia who will provide advice to employers at no cost to help them develop and maintain their apprenticeship program.

TAFE NSW head of SkillsPoint Tourism and Experience Services, Andrea Poletti, said the organisation was committed to providing industry relevant training to build the workforce of the future.

Industry employers will be able to advertise opportunities on the skillsroad.com.au jobs board, and during the program government assistance and tax rebates may be applicable.

Successful trainees will gain a Certificate III in Tourism from NSW TAFE, incorporating the cruise knowledge available via the CLIA Learning Academy.