At Vocational Training Services, we’re proud to be working alongside Accor—Australia’s largest hotel operator—to deliver nationally recognised training as part of the 2025 Accor Indigenous Hotel Traineeship.
This exciting program is designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to build lasting careers in the hotel and tourism industry. Trainees will gain hands-on experience across Food & Beverage, Housekeeping & Engineering, Front Office & Guest Relations departments—while undertaking certified training with VTS as the registered training organisation (RTO).
This partnership reflects what we do best: working with industry to deliver tailored training that leads to real jobs. Accor is taking the lead on recruitment, while we support their trainees with practical, culturally sensitive training and mentoring every step of the way.
Successful applicants will complete their traineeships at:
By the end of the 12-month program, they’ll be multi-skilled, job-ready—and part of a national network of passionate hospitality professionals known as Heartists®.
We’re thrilled to be part of this important initiative that’s creating meaningful employment pathways and celebrating culture in the workplace.
Want to explore how we can support your organisation’s training needs?
Let’s have a conversation.
Studying while juggling work, social and family life, is a tough gig. We feel that it’s important that our students understand that we appreciate the time and effort they put into their studies. The VTS Student of the Month award recognises the hard work and commitment put in by our students. This student could be someone who achieves outstanding results, or it could be a student who has persevered through difficult challenges and continues to achieve their learning goals.
The VTS Student of the Month for April 2025 was:
We’re proud to recognise Alana Brochard as our Student of the Month. Alana is a mature-age Certificate III in Commercial Cookery student based at Burrata Wood Fired Cafe in Albany. Balancing the demands of being a single mum and managing a busy professional kitchen, Alana continues to show exceptional dedication to her training.
She has completed all open assessments to an outstanding standard and is known for her clear, professional communication. Alana is one of Burrata’s most committed and loyal team members—consistently putting the needs of the workplace first.
Punctual, innovative and creative in everything she does, Alana approaches every task with care and professionalism. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Will Tsocas! Will is a school-based trainee at John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School and has been recognised for his outstanding attitude, consistent attendance and strong leadership qualities.
Will regularly supports the chef by supervising his peers and has taken on a mentoring role, helping Year 11 students understand kitchen procedures. He is also diligent in his studies—always up to date with his theory work and committed to maintaining high standards in both practical and academic tasks.
⭐ Also nominated this month
Amelia Bell—completing her traineeship at Madalenas Bar
The VTS Student of the Month for February 2025 was:
Olivia Erasmus! Hard work, passion, and dedication have paid off for Olivia, a standout student in the Future Chef Program. Throughout her training, Olivia demonstrated a strong work ethic, a keen ability to learn new skills quickly, and a genuine love for cooking.
During her work placement atMarket Grounds, Olivia impressed her team with her professionalism, teamwork, and attention to detail. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed—her employers were so impressed that they offered her a job!
Olivia is set to begin her part-time role at Market Grounds in Perth City, with plans to transition to full-time. There’s also potential for a traineeship, providing her with an exciting pathway to further develop her skills. This opportunity marks the next step in her culinary journey, and we can’t wait to see where her passion and talent take her.
VTS Trainer & Assessor Giuseppe Cavallaro with February Student of the Month Olivia Erasmus and Kathy Whitcher, VTS Business Development & Client Relationship Manager
The VTS Students of the Month for November 2024 were:
At VTS, we believe that vocational training transforms lives, providing pathways to meaningful employment and personal growth. One shining example of this is our chef training program, delivered at Wooroloo Prison Farm. These programs equip participants with professional culinary skills that meet industry standards, preparing them for rewarding careers post-release.
This month, VTS trainer Chris, who has been working with the students at Wooroloo Prison Farm nominated three trainees for the Student of the Month award, highlighting their exceptional performance in two key units: SITHCCC036 – Prepare Meat Dishes and SITHCCC037 – Prepare Seafood Dishes.
The trainees have been praised for their dedication, commitment, and eagerness to learn. They have not only excelled in their coursework but have also gone above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating initiative, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
Programs like these reflect VTS’s commitment to delivering high-impact, real-world training that empowers individuals to build brighter futures. We’re proud of the outstanding achievements of our trainees and their journey toward becoming skilled professionals in the culinary world.
VTS also partners with schools across Perth to deliver high-quality, school-based training that equips students with valuable skills and real-world experience. At John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School, we provide hospitality training that has seen students thrive, including our November Student of the Month, Yabsira. Despite a challenging start, Yabsira has shown remarkable growth and was also nominated by the school for the Year 11 Trainee of the Year award. The Student of the Month initiative has been a hit at John Septimus Roe, fostering friendly competition and inspiring students to excel in their training.
Yabsira, Student of the Month for November 2024
The VTS Student of the Month for October 2024 is:
Kayden T! Kayden’s dedication and determination have made him a standout student in his training. He approaches every task with a strong work ethic, ensuring his theory work is thorough and well-researched and asking for assistance when needed to deepen his understanding.
In the kitchen, his skills continue to grow, and his attention to detail is evident in the high standard of work he produces. His progress has been so remarkable that he no longer requires support from his EA during practical sessions—an incredible achievement that reflects his confidence and capability.
Beyond his skills, Kayden’s positive energy is contagious. He brings a smile to everyone’s face with his enthusiasm, greeting classmates and trainers with warmth and excitement.
Congratulations, Kayden! Your hard work and uplifting spirit are an inspiration to all.
Kayden, Student of the Month October 2024
The VTS Student of the Month for September 2024 is:
Mitchell Douglas. Passion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the craft of cooking have made Mitch a standout student in the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Lalla Rookh. His enthusiasm for the industry is second to none, and his drive to excel has been evident in his impressive progress over the past two months. Congratulations Mitch.
VTS Trainer & Assessor Chris Martin, Mitch Douglas Student of the Month September 2024 and Lalla Rookh Head Chef Calum MacKechnie
The VTS Students of the Month for August 2024 are:
Noor Subha who completed Certificate IV qualifications in business, leadership and management. Noor was an excellent trainee who was committed to completing every unit each month.
The second Student of the Month is Danika B, a school-based trainee at Kingsway Christian College. Danika is a true quiet achiever who exemplifies leadership, maturity, and self-discipline. Currently completing her Certificate II in Cookery, Danika approaches every task with professionalism, precision, and a meticulous work ethic that sets her apart.
Danika follows in the footsteps of her older brother, Makan, who was awarded Student of the Month at KCC two years ago. While her future career path may take her beyond hospitality, she possesses an invaluable sense of responsibility, punctuality, and a strong work ethic—qualities that will serve her well in any field.
VTS Trainer & Assessor Chris Martin with VTS Student of the Month for August, Danika
The VTS Student of the Month for July 2024 is:
Kaitland Kelly. Kaitland is a school-based trainee completing a Certificate II in Workplace Skills through Maxima Group Training, hosted by Westpac Geraldton. Determined to succeed, Kaitland has been working closely with her VET Coordinator, dedicating extra study time each week to ensure she remains on top of her assessments. Even when faced with challenges, she maintains a strong focus and unwavering determination, making her progress an inspiration to those around her.
The VTS Student of the Month for May 2024 is:
Joanna B, known to her friends as Chi Chi. Chi Chi has truly excelled this term, proving herself to be a dedicated and hardworking student in the hospitality program. As a quiet achiever, she listens carefully to guidance from her trainers, including Mrs. Edwards and Chef Paul, and applies herself diligently to every task. Her theory work is of high quality, and her kitchen skills are equally impressive, demonstrating both precision and professionalism.
Chi Chi, Vocational Training Services Student of the Month for May 2024
The VTS Student of the Month for April 2024 is:
Layla Cassian. Layla, a Certificate III in Hospitality student at Mundaring Christian College, has shown incredible self-motivation, confidence, and enthusiasm. Nominated by VTS Trainer Chris Martin, Layla consistently maintains high standards in her assessments and logbooks.
At the beginning of the year, Layla led the bakery, short order, and larder sections of the kitchen filling in for the Café Manager who was away on long service leave. Layla admirably stepped up, guiding her fellow trainees with ease. Her willingness to take on any task and her commitment to excellence truly set her apart.
Congratulations, Layla, on this well-deserved recognition! ⭐
MCC Principal Doug Holtam with Layla C, Vocational Training Services Student of the Month for April 2024 and VTS Trainer & Assessor Chris Martin
The VTS Student of the Month for March 2024 was jointly awarded to two hard-working students from John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School: Kimberly Edmonds and Chris Loruwi. Both of these students have worked exceptionally hard to get their units up to date.
The VTS Student of the Month for February 2024 was Chloe Tinley. Chloe, a dedicated Year 11 student from Kingsway Christian College, is currently excelling in her Certificate II in Cookery through our school-based traineeship program. Chloe’s passion for learning, coupled with her natural leadership qualities, sets her apart. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond, making her an absolute pleasure to train. Her commitment to excellence is truly inspiring! Congratulations, Chloe, on this well-deserved recognition. Your hard work and dedication are a shining example to us all. Keep up the fantastic work!
At VTS, we’re thrilled to partner with the iconic Duxton Hotel Perth to deliver a training experience like no other! The Duxton Hotel Pre-Employment Program combines hands-on learning with real-world exposure to five-star luxury hospitality.
What’s in the Program? This program is your passport to the skills and confidence you need to thrive in hospitality, featuring:
This month, students toured the Duxton with its talented team, including HR Coordinator Phoebe Lopez and Hotel Manager Teresa Garbo Lee. The experience was eye-opening, showcasing the high standards and attention to detail that define luxury hospitality.
The Path to Success Graduates leave this program with industry-recognised skills, real-world experience, and a competitive edge in the job market. Whether you’re starting your journey or taking the next step, the Duxton Hotel Pre-Employment Program sets you up for success in hospitality.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration, and reach out to learn about other VTS training opportunities!
Celine Noort brings over a decade of experience in vocational education, building on a rich background in retail across multiple industries. Originally from France, Celine has lived in Australia for the past 28 years and has worked in diverse sectors, including fashion (clothing and accessories), luxury brands (Tiffany & Co.) and para-pharmaceuticals (as a Pharmacy Retail Manager).
Celine believes that retail and hospitality are the foundations of all careers, as these industries teach essential life skills. She views the art of selling—essentially the art of listening—as a universal skill that can be applied to nearly any profession.
A natural problem-solver, Celine is passionate about uncovering pathways where none seem obvious. She excels at finding the common thread in varied resumes and helping individuals craft qualifications that tie their experiences together. Her training is always practical and relatable, as she draws on her wide-ranging industry experience to provide real-world examples that resonate with her audience.
Celine is committed to making vocational education accessible and impactful. She tailors her training to ensure students can immediately apply what they have learned in the workplace. Her ultimate goal is to inspire other trainers and organisations to elevate vocational education as a respected and purposeful career pathway, rather than a secondary option.
Celine envisions vocational education as a premium choice, where individuals can refine practical skills and build highly successful careers. Through her work, she aims to shape an industry that celebrates the value and potential of vocational pathways.
We are delighted to welcome Celine to the VTS teaching staff, bringing her extensive experience in vocational education, retail, and hospitality, along with her passion for creating meaningful learning pathways and empowering students to achieve their full potential.
These stories highlight the journeys of students in our SEE Program across regional WA.
Derby Student Featured Nationally
Geneva, a young First Nations woman from Derby, joined the SEE Program to build her confidence with digital skills and take the next step toward employment. With determination and support from the VTS team, she not only strengthened her computer literacy but also developed a deeper understanding of herself and her goals.
She’s now working as a Youth Support Worker in her local community, making a positive impact in the lives of others.
When Donald joined the SEE Program, his goal was clear—to build his confidence using computers and strengthen his cooking skills. With the support of his trainer and the structured learning environment at VTS, he made steady progress in both areas.
Donald’s commitment to learning has opened new doors, and his story is a great example of how the SEE Program helps participants develop practical skills, build self-belief and take meaningful steps toward employment.
It’s been an exciting time here in the Great Southern! We’ve been busy with the face-to-face delivery of the new Certificate IV in Business (Leadership), and we’re thrilled to have two groups actively working on this qualification.
Our sessions are held at the fantastic 3 Anchors venue in Middleton Beach. If you’re ever in the area, it’s well worth a visit! With breathtaking views over Middleton Beach, a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, and ever-changing scenery from the training room, it’s an inspiring spot to learn and grow.
Celebrating Success Our first cohort group wrapped up their course with a special Graduation Celebration on 26 November. It was a proud moment for all involved, with participants receiving their certificates in a formal ceremony. While a couple of students couldn’t attend, the day was still full of joy and camaraderie.
A huge congratulations to Teresa Toovey, Kadek Yasmini, Lata Wright, Justine Grey and Jasmin Ocampo. Your hard work and determination have paid off, and you’ve achieved not just one but two qualifications to propel you forward in your careers. There were times when each of you felt like giving up, but your perseverance is an inspiration.
What’s New Although traineeships have slowed in this region since the start of the year, we’re excited to have recently signed up two young people for a Certificate III in Business. It’s fantastic to see fresh faces embarking on their learning journeys.
The Certificate IV in Business (Leadership) continues to grow in popularity. In addition to our Great Southern groups, we’re also delivering this qualification to clients in Katanning and Karratha, spreading opportunities far and wide.
Free training! What is this all about? Let us break it down for you.
Why Do We Have Free Training?
The simple answer is COVID. The lengthy answer is that Australia’s workforce is changing and we need to change with it.
In 2020 the JobTrainer Fund was established by the Australian Government and has since been extended to September 2023.
The fund was created to support our country’s economic recovery by reskilling or upskilling into areas of demand.
The WA state government has received $51.7 million of Commonwealth funding from the JobTrainer Fund, matched by our own government funding.
So in other words, our government is investing a lot of money in training to help deal with the shortage of skilled workers in WA.
What Kind of Free Training Can I Get?
This really depends on who you are, what you want to do, and how quickly you want to do it! The WA Government wants you job-ready and fast.
Skills Ready is fast-track training that will get you there, whether it’s for your first job, your next career move, or upskilling for your own development.
Learning a Skill Set is an excellent way to upskill for specific skills and knowledge required for their job; or in situations where a full qualification is not required.
A Skill Set is a short course that’s developed by choosing individual units of competency from a full qualification (or qualifications) that target a specific set of skills and knowledge, to meet the needs of industry or a particular job role.
Can I Get Free Training?
Some Skill Sets are “free for everyone”, and others are free for eligible students. Check out the Jobs and Skills WA website for a comprehensive list of courses available.
The “free for everyone” training is available to all permanent residents of Western Australia.
Temporary residents who hold one of the following visa types are also eligible:
holders of a sub-class 309, 444, 785, 790, or 820 visa
secondary holders of a temporary visa of sub-class 457
holders of a Bridging Visa E (subclasses 050 and 051) where the visa holder has made a valid application for a visa of subclass 785 or 790
Expanded eligibility for government subsidised training to the following temporary visas in 2023:
visa sub-classes 449 and 786, which ware currently used for Ukraine and Afghan nationals
bridging visas A, B, C and E where holders have work rights and have made a valid application for a Permanent Protection Visa (subclass 866), and
secondary holders (spouses and dependents) of a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Who is not eligible
Persons living outside of Western Australia are not eligible
International students and people on a student visa are not eligible
Students who are still at school*
*In 2022, Year 12 school students who are leaving school can access a subsidised training place from 22 October 2022.
*In 2023, all school leavers can undertake subsidised training outside of a VET Delivered to Secondary Students program from Monday 23 October 2023 subject to paying the appropriate fees.
VTS is the only RTO in WA that is currently delivering these Skill Sets.
I’d Like A Job in Hospitality – What Can You Do For Me?
To work in any hospitality job in WA where you are required to serve alcohol, you will need to obtain an RSA, which is a Responsible Service of Alcohol. You can get one of those with us!
This course costs $32.40* for non-concession or $9.60* for concession.
Do a quick online price comparison for other providers and you’ll see this government-subsidised price is highly competitive.
VTS is the only RTO in WA that is currently delivering this Skill Set.
*Students must be Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Students must no longer be attending secondary school. Funding is available for eligible students. Student tuition fees are mandated by the Department of Training and Workforce Development VET Fees and Charges Policy. Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as Student service and resource fees.
When Can I Do My Free Training?
We will be running SIRSS00022 Manage Disrespectful, Aggressive or Abusive Customers AND SITSS00055 Responsible Service of Alcohol from our Joondalup training centre on the following dates:
Friday, 11 & Saturday, 12 November 2022
Friday, 2 & Saturday, 3 December 2022
Monday, 9 January & Tuesday, 10 January 2023
Monday, 23 January & Tuesday, 24 January 2023
Click here if you’d like to enrol in a Skill Set today!
Since 2012, apprentice commencements have fallen, with numbers crashing from 376,800 before bottoming out at 134,800 in 2020. On 5 October 2020, the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) was implemented. The BAC is one incentive in a suite of employer and apprentice payments offered by the government through the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.
Data released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) on 27 January 2022 indicates a reversal in the long-term decline in apprenticeship commencements. The data shows that training commencements increased by 60% Australia wide and 36% in Western Australia (the highest in Australia) for the June quarter 2021, compared to June 2020, with 38,400 people in-training (59% in trades and 41% in non-trades).
Skills Minister Stuart Robert says the scheme has worked in getting young people into jobs and keeping them there. Apprenticeships are a great pathway for younger workers to secure their first full time job, however apprentices do require a longer-term investment in skills development.
The BAC scheme has been implemented at a cost of $2.7 billion, where a business (or GTO) may be eligible for up to 50% subsidy of the gross wages paid to a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee for 12 months (to a maximum of $7.000 per quarter). The subsidy is not available to any apprentice receiving any other form of government subsidy such as JobKeeper, Supporting Apprentices and Trainees or the JobMaker Hiring Credit.
After 12 months, employers are eligible to transfer to the Completing Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy for the second and third years of the apprenticeship. During the second year, employers will receive 10% wage subsidy up to a maximum of $1,500 per quarter and 5% in the third year, to a maximum of $750 per quarter.
The huge increase in the number of people starting an apprenticeship has not solved Australia’s shortage of skilled tradespeople with thousands of vacancies for new starters remaining unfilled. Gary Workman, executive director of the Apprenticeship Employment Network, said he had about 1000 positions for apprentices available but was struggling to find applicants, a situation which he expects to worsen in coming months. Yet, at the end of 2020, one in three young Australians were unemployed or under-employed.
The BAC is due to end on 31 March 2022. The BAC gives any business or GTO a subsidy that engages an Australian Apprentice undertaking a Certificate II or higher and has a training contract formally approved by the state training authority.
In the language of the Ngarluma and Yindjibarndi people, the name “Karratha” means “soft earth” or “good country”. Karratha may be surrounded by a 2.5-billion-year-old landscape, but it’s population is just around 22,000 and growing! With the current skills shortage, finding skilled workers in the remoter areas of Australia can be even harder. We believe that non-traditional learning provides alternatives for attracting, training and retaining workers.
It is in Karratha, that VTS is very excited to now be expanding our training service and we are doubly excited to announce that Debbie Johnson has agreed to join the VTS team. Debbie will be our local VTS representative in Karratha. “I’m really excited to have Debbie onboard and I’m confident she will make a positive impact delivering our programs in Karratha and elsewhere around the Pilbara,” said Matt Dowd, VTS Managing Director.
Debbie has been living in the area for the past 10 years and has worked extensively within the Aboriginal community as well as with at-risk youth and the disadvantaged.
She is a literacy and numeracy specialist having had over 15 years of experience within the TAFE and not-for-profit sectors where she has worked with both youths and adults alike who are struggling with literacy and numeracy. “A good approach to teaching literacy to adults is viewing the student as a user of language rather than a learner of language,” Debbie says.
Traineeships as an Alternative to Traditional Learning
Debbie also has experience within the hospitality, community services, business administration and aged care sectors. It is her experience within the hospitality industry which will benefit her students the most as she leads the training and assessment of the Certificates I and II in Leadership with a hospitality focus. This is where VTS is able to deliver high quality hospitality training that is purpose-built for developing core job-ready skills. At VTS, our job-ready training programs are designed to encourage disengaged Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth back to education and training.
Debbie’s experience has given her a great awareness and understanding of the challenges that many community members face in Karratha. “I’m thrilled to be joining the team and I am looking forward to the challenges and providing a quality service to the people of the Karratha region,” said Debbie.
A form of non-traditional learning, Debbie has a passion for workplace-based traineeships where, in her capacity as a mentor, she has seen the training benefits of students learning within the workplace as opposed to block release training. This is where students spend periods of time away from their workplace to study for their qualification. “If you can train students in the workplace, you have more control over what the student learns which means being able to train them in how you do things in your business,” Debbie says. She also believes workplace-based traineeships increase employee loyalty and retention. “Studies have shown that having a learning culture within your business can increase employee retention greatly,” she says.
The Benefits of Modern Education in School-Based Traineeships
On top of this, VTS also supports school-based traineeships (SBT). An SBT provides a flexible employment pathway that creates a first job opportunity and also builds individual skills and capability while providing a recruitment pool of efficient and eager workers. Approximately 30% of all traineeships that VTS supports in WA are SBT’s, which puts us at the forefront of Registered Training Organisations delivering workplace training. Our highly experienced trainers and assessors deliver this training in an appropriate and supportive manner to young people. SBT’s will form a critical component of retaining young people in the Pilbara because they provide a clear job pathway that allows young people to develop and grow a career without having to leave the region.
For the very first time Vocational Training Services will be exhibiting at the Perth SkillsWest Careers Expo. We have developed some fun and interactive displays for the school aged visitors as well as the older visitors looking for career guidance.
Walking through the many displays at the expo is thirsty work so come and say hi to our resident mixologist and VTS trainer Gerard who will be serving up mocktails at his makeshift bar at our stand 26, located near the resume workshop. Gerard has extensive experience in the hospitality industry and in particular cocktail making which is why he is our go-to guy for hospitality training in Victoria Park.
Nicola, our VTS hospitality trainer in Joondalup, will also be available to answer any hospitality related questions you may have. If you are interested in doing some part-time work or a traineeship with the Spud Shed or the Coffee Club, Gerard and Nicola can guide you through that process too.
We also have big prizes on offer all for just completing a small survey. We are giving away a $300 dinner voucher to the Wildflower Restaurant in COMO, The Treasury, recent winner of the Beset Hotel Restaurant at the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence AND who are also a client of VTS.
If fancy dinners aren’t your thing, then we are also giving away a pair of Bose Soundsport Free Wireless Headphones. Is there anything better than blasting your tunes straight into your brain as you workout or just to block out the sounds of your annoying siblings?
We have also been very fortunate to make available to our visitors an outrageously fun GIF photo booth. Take photos of yourself slam dunking a basketball while your friends cheer on or working as a professional chef in a kitchen or even just relaxing at the bar drinking one of Gerard’s orange juice mocktails.
When you find yourself exhausted from all the fun and frivolities to be had at the expo, reignite your energy with a tasty coffee consumed from an exclusive VTS Keep Cup. We only have 100 of these to give away to anyone clever enough to make 30 coffees in 2 minutes in Trouble Brewing.
The Perth SkillsWest Careers Expo will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and runs from Thursday, 26 August until Saturday, 28 August from 9am to 4pm each day.
