FNQ Training Centre and the Mossman Gorge Indigenous Training Centre both received a visit from Tim Mander MP Shadow Minister for Education and Training together with Cr Bruce Clarke last Friday.

Liz Ross Manager of FNQ Training Centre gladly showed them around the facilities which were commented on as being modern and up to date.

“We were glad he was interested in what an RTO does and how we operate in a rural and remote community.  It was quite good he took the time to have a chat,” said Ms Ross.

The discussion focused on how the centre operated and how funding was utilised and any issues that were of concern.

“One of our issues is we can’t apply for funding because we aren’t a Not-For-Profit so we can’t apply for funding. We do receive certain funding from the state government as a Pre-Qualified Supplier to deliver training to trainees in business and hospitality to access a Cert III guarantee,” said Ms Ross.

The FNQ Training Centre has also won a tender to receive a contract by Skilling Queenslander’s For Work to conduct some short courses teaching students about how to prepare a resume, how to present at an interview and what the employer would expect during the interview process.

“We’re gearing up to run a program to teach the students how to address selection criteria and how to identify what you put down gets you to the interview,” said Ms Ross.

Another key component of the program will teach students how to understand the tourism industry.

The Shadow Minister and Cr Clake then made their way to the Mossman Gorge Indigenous Training Centre and was welcomed by Mr Ben Pratt Manager of the Training Centre, Rachael Hodges Assistant Manager of the Mossman Gorge Centre together with Natalie Chapman the Officer of the Training Centre.

Cr Bruce Clarke said “a large part of the Mossman Gorge Training Centre is the hospitality industry and the facility is one of the best the Shadow Minister has seen in Queensland.”

“One of the main things that was also noted by the Shadow Minister, was the intention of both Training Centres to put trainees into the local work force, which we were told is very successful.

“The Shadow Minister said he will be looking into the few issues that were raised and also that next time he comes to Mossman and Port Douglas, he will allocate a lot more time, so as to achieve a better outcome from his visit,” advised Cr Clarke.

Newsport contacted Rachael Hodges Assistant Manager of the Mossman Gorge Centre for comment.