The MiHaven Training crew prepare for take-off. From left to right - Francelle Sands, Jayton Keyes, Patrina Sands, Braith Cedric, Joseph King, Charlize Ambrym, Jakira Thomas, Sylvia Fourmile-Dangar, Shantwain Nicholas, Tye Fourmile, Leslie Ambrym, Stephen Arnold, Ellik Oosthuizen, Bronty Burns, Lakhana Neal, Jeddah Sexton, Karnia Keyes.
This year, year 10 students from Yarrabah State School were offered the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Hospitality, with MiHaven Training.
The course commenced in March this year, only to be put on hold for four months (due to the Covid-19 Pandemic), to then to re-commence in August. Due to this, the students were required to prove their commitment to the course and work hard to complete their certificate before the school year ended.
The local council, mayor, school, and community leaders of Yarrabah have been the driving force in the success of the course and students. For example, they organised the student’s attendance to not only extra lessons in Yarrabah but also travelling to Cairns for additional training days at the Cairns Plaza Hotel. Not to mention the mandatory 12 service shifts the students had to complete, which would not have been possible without the placement opportunities presented by the Cairns Pullman International Hotel, Novotel Oasis Resort, Raintrees Plaza Café and the local business’ in Yarrabah.
As a component of the course and in return for the determination and continuous effort of the students, MiHaven Training arranged an incredible opportunity for the students to travel to the Gold Coast for a four-day Hotel School Experience, to encounter the reality of a successful hospitality business in full operation. Staying at the SeaWorld Nara Resort, these students will have a complete backstage tour discovering how each branch in the hospitality industry comes together, the kitchens, catering, housekeeping, and maintenance to name a few.
For many of these students, it is their first time on a plane and their first time away from Far North Queensland. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
MiHaven Training’s hospitality trainer, Stephen Arnold has taught the program this year and has huge belief in the students and is constantly encouraging them to be the best they can be. Stephen is determined to spread hope and push the students to achieve their dreams, repeating to the students:
This is your opportunity to let your culture shine, your opportunity to change your stripes. Do not just be satisfied with what people say you can do. You do what you want to do and be what you want to be! Never let anybody tell you otherwise.
Stephen Arnold - MiHaven Training hospitality trainer
MiHaven Training is incredibly proud of the students for all their hard work, pushing through unprecedented circumstances (COVID-19) this year and their hard work and dedication have been nothing but rewarding for the students, the trainers, and the Yarrabah community. All students will finish this year having completed their Certificate II in Hospitality.
Written by Carly Sutton
