150 interns ready for work

"The number one critical factor affecting the industry is the availability of skilled labour", said House of Travel's executive gm - retail Mandy Scotney at a seminar held by the Travel Industry Careers Association
(TICA) yesterday.

The main focus of the event was to make organisations in the industry aware of the 150 interns that will be available for employment from July this year, and educate them about the benefits of hiring an intern within
their businesses.

An internship panel was represented by Janette Davie, gm at Pinpoint Travel Group; Leanne Baker, internship coordinator at Southern Cross University and Jessica McClean, Tourism Australia trade events
coordinator.
Davie, an advocate of interns, said the program coordinated by the Southern Cross University is straight forward and well-timed. Pinpoint Travel took on seven students at one time, offered employment to six of them and now two of them are reservations managers supervising a team.

"The students, mostly from the country, have a great work ethic and attitude, are ready to work full time and are in it for the long haul", said Davie who has greatly benefited from the program.

The Southern Cross University internship operates in two ways - students can work for an employer five months full time at the end of their degree and obtain credit for this or can work for an employer five to six
150 interns ready for work months during their degree.

"Organisations that benefit from taking on interns are those who are prepared, committed to developing the students, offer a variety of projects and are willing to pay them", said Baker.

Jessica McClean, a student from the university moved to Sydney to take on an intern position at Tourism Australia and has worked her way into full time employment with the company.
McClean spoke about Tourism Australia's well-established intern program, saying it has helped to "find my home within the industry and has been a great match from the beginning".
She urges employers to become involved in the program assisting other students passionate to work in the industry and helping to grow a talent pool for the future.
Unfortunately, only 10-15% of the interns available have moved into the industry because of the lack of awareness of positions available and getting the word out about travel.

TICA vice chairman Sandra Chiles said "the travel industry is not promoting itself enough". There are a number of opportunities to raise awareness and promote careers through TICA at www.travelindustrycareers.org.

"My advice to employers is just do it...forget some of the mess and not believe no one wants to work in travel", said Davie.
Pictured above is Sandra Chiles; Amanda van de Klundert; TICA executive officer; Mandy Scotney and panel reps Janette Davie, Leanne Baker and Jessica McClean.