Building New Careers Behind the Scenes of Gold Coast Hotels

In 2023, following nearly two years of travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gold Coast’s tourism industry faced unprecedented workforce shortages.

Recognising a unique opportunity to support the industry’s recovery, TAFE Queensland developed a training project in partnership with leading Gold Coast hotels, including JW Marriott, Mantra, Novotel, Sheraton, and Sea World Resort.

The Tourism Career Launch project debuted as an innovative training opportunity for TAFE Queensland’s Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) students.

Through the AMEP, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, TAFE Queensland delivers critical language support to over 3000 migrants and refugees annually as they settle into life in Australia.

TAFE Queensland English Language and Literacy Services Executive Director, Scott Bray, said, “We quickly realised there was an opportunity here to match unprecedented recruitment needs with students who are so eager to get their foot in the door.”

“For migrants and refugees, finding that first job in Australia can be remarkably difficult. They’re dealing with language barriers, a different workplace culture, and no local references to offer. It’s hard.”

As an extension of the AMEP’s classroom English training, the Tourism Career Launch offers a deep-dive into one of the city’s leading sectors. For 12 weeks, students split their time across TAFE Queensland’s state-of-the-art Robina campus and a 24-day work placement with a leading Gold Coast hotel.

Work placements are tailored to each student’s career goals and interests, and may involve greeting guests at the front desk, working in the restaurant or bar, or preparing rooms for guests.

In the classroom, students engage in employability training contextualised to their new roles, as well as language support, individual career guidance, and regular check-ins to support their ongoing work placement.

In 2025, the project expanded to include a strong eco‑tourism focus, aligning with the sustainability values at TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus. Students gained exposure to environmentally responsible tourism practices, preparing them for a sector which is increasingly seeking sustainability‑minded workers.

The program’s holistic approach and strong ties to industry has driven direct employment outcomes for many of its participants.

In 2023, 83% of clients completed the project, including 4 accredited units and 32 days of work experience. At the completion of their placements, Gosia Knot and Haiming Feng were both hired by their host employer, Sea World Resort.

In 2024, 92% of clients completed the project, including 5 accredited units and 24 days of work experience. As a result, 8 clients were hired by their host employer, and 9 clients found casual hospitality work.

In 2025, the project achieved a 100% employment outcome for its clients, who completed 5 accredited units and 24 days of work experience. In November 2025, the project was named as a finalist in the Settlement Council of Australia’s Outstanding Settlement Contribution Awards.

The Tourism Career Launch project demonstrates the enormous potential of the AMEP when language learning is combined with vocational training, industry engagement and personalised support.

Given its continued success, TAFE Queensland plans to maintain and grow the project as an ongoing pathway for AMEP clients on the Gold Coast, ensuring more newly arrived Queenslanders can build strong, sustainable futures in tourism and hospitality.