Sodexo celebrates the success of Indigenous hospitality trainee graduates as they enter into long-term employment with Sodexo’s remote operations in Western Australia.

Sodexo, in partnership with GenerationOne, atWork Australia and Polytechnic West hosted, on 20 February 2015, an inaugural employment commencement ceremony at Kuditj Café for students of Western Australia’s first Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) Hospitality program. Awards were presented to students by Sodexo Chief Operating Officer, Keith Weston and Polytechnic West Managing Director, Jill Jamieson.


Sodexo’s mission to improve the Quality of Life of its employees, clients and consumers and contribute to the development of the communities and regions where the organisation operates is fully expressed through the organisation’s commitment to the comprehensive VTEC training model. The program aims to provide sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobseekers in WA and equip trainees with the skills to kick-start their careers within the resources hospitality sector. Upon successful completion of the eight month hospitality training program, graduates have now received a nationally accredited Certificate II in Hospitality from Polytechnic West.


The VTEC work-ready program is delivered sensitively to support Indigenous cultures and ways of working. The program not only educates students in the catering and hospitality field but also prepares them for remote life and FIFO working.


Fifteen of the twenty students who commenced pre-employment for the program in June 2014, had progressed to the job-specific component, of which seven recently graduated to now enter employment with Sodexo. These outcomes are testament to the effectiveness of the VTEC model, which is designed to provide holistic support to the jobseeker whilst meeting the specific needs of the employer.


Sodexo’s General Manager Indigenous and Community Engagement, Wendy Dawson comments:
“Sodexo is delighted to be the first host employer for Polytechnic West’s VTEC program, in a collaboration that shares our vision to provide quality learning and real opportunities within a culturally safe environment. Today is a great example of how the academic achievement of the VTEC graduates has translated to real employment. We wish them all the best and welcome them into the Sodexo family.”


Kevin Fitzpatrick, atWork Australia’s JSA Area Manager, believes the partnered approach to the training model is a contributor to the success of WA’s first hospitality VTEC. He comments:
“atWork Australia pre-selected suitable candidates for the program and provided ongoing assistance with the day-to-day needs of the jobseekers on their journey to employment. The extensive collaboration and consultation between the service providers and Sodexo was key to the success of the program. Whilst there were challenges and learnings along the way, the significant economic and social benefits that the participants and their families will realise as a result of gaining ongoing employment with Sodexo, have made the exercise a rewarding experience for the atWork VTEC team and one that we hope to replicate in the future.”

Back to the list