In a powerful demonstration of collaboration and commitment to reconciliation, a unique pre-employment program, instigated by MobReady, has successfully launched 14 First Nations individuals into sustainable careers within Solotel’s vibrant hospitality scene.
The Pathways to Hospitality Program, a partnership between MobReady, Solotel, and Allara Learning, has provided crucial skills and support, paving the way for meaningful employment and future growth.
The program’s inception stemmed from MobReady’s vision to support First Nations people in gaining essential skills and transitioning into rewarding roles. As an Aboriginal owned and managed organisation, MobReady drives authentic change by equipping Aboriginal people with the skills and resources to secure employment opportunities and financial independence. Identifying a need to bridge the gap between Aboriginal job seekers and suitable organisations, MobReady partnered with Solotel, driven by its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and a commitment to increasing Indigenous representation. MobReady then called upon Allara Learning, expert providers of hospitality training and pre-employment programs, designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“These programs are not a tick a box exercise, they are genuine commitments to closing the gap by providing a Culturally safe environment to upskill and prepare for sustainable employment,” said Justin Biles, Head of Operations at MobReady. ” These opportunities have a ripple effect in our communities and the impact is widespread to the broader families. MobReady are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with such a genuine host-employer like Solotel, who have committed to completing Cultural Awareness training and now providing sustainable employment for First Nations People across their venues.”
“The program was implemented to support First Nations people gain essential skills to support their transition into employment with Solotel,” explains Sarah Maxwell, People & Performance Director at Solotel.
“We’re committed to our RAP and creating real opportunities for Indigenous talent.”
The intensive two-week program, designed by Allara Learning, held in late 2024 at Solotel’s The Marly venue, combined practical, hands-on training with vital pre-employment support. Led by experienced trainers from Allara Learning, the program delivered a comprehensive curriculum covering both kitchen and front-of-house operations.
“The Allara, MobReady and Solotel pre-employment program for me has been a really good experience because I’ve been able to experience things I would otherwise not have had the chance to. I’ve learnt new skills and knowledge, and a really good highlight was making new friends while undergoing the program, being able to work and laugh alongside them in something that was new for all of us.”
Raylene Squires, Student
“The students enrolled in our Job Ready program have undergone two weeks of practical training to learn the fundamental hospitality skills to work in the service and kitchen departments at Solotel,” says Rosie Wilson, Head of Training, Allara Learning.
“In week one, the students spent time in the kitchen, learning about Food Safety and Hygiene, Kitchen operations and prepared numerous dishes using newfound cooking techniques. In week two, the team worked in the bar and floor areas, understanding sequence of service, customer relations and complaint resolution, tray service, 3-plate carrying as well as preparing a selection of beverages such as beers, mixed drinks and cocktails.”
MobReady provided crucial wrap-around services, mentoring and ongoing support, ensuring participants felt confident and prepared. The program’s success is evident with an impressive 93 per cent of participants successfully completing the training.
The results speak for themselves. All 14 graduates have secured employment at Solotel, with four embarking on apprenticeships in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) and the remaining ten undertaking traineeships in Hospitality (SIT30622). This outcome not only provides immediate employment but also lays the foundation for long-term career development.
“It’s through initiatives like these we can help close the gap, supporting our indigenous communities to build their self-confidence and gain essential technical and life skills for long-term sustainable employment,” said James Richards, General Manager, Allara Learning.
“The Allara, MobReady and Solotel pre-employment program for me removed the anxiety of a new job by providing the information I like to have to help ease my mind, as well as providing valuable skills and support. Through the team’s face-to-face learning program, I was able to make new friends, gain skills I wasn’t equipped with prior, and go in feeling confident and ready. Without it, I wouldn’t have felt the same level of calm and capability I did on day one of the job.”
Yafalina Close-Brown, Student
The impact extends beyond individual success. The program strengthens Solotel’s commitment to its RAP, contributing to its community of practice targets. It also demonstrates the power of collaborative partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations communities.
Looking ahead, the partners are committed to building on this success. They aim to support MobReady’s apprentices and trainees in maintaining long-term employment and to expand the program’s reach, with plans for further initiatives in the latter half of 2025.
This is just the beginning. The success of this program lays the groundwork for future initiatives, and for continued collaboration between MobReady, Solotel, and Allara Learning. It’s about building lasting change, one opportunity at a time.
