If you visit Tenison Woods College this year you may be mistaken for thinking students are running the school.
Not only has the college taken on a largest group of trainee staff in 2022, but for the first time ever a school-based hospitality traineeship has been appointed to a passionate Year 11 student.
Craig Baker has been studying hospitality at Tenison Woods College since Year 9 and quickly took a liking to the course.
The college boasts on-site café the Sugarloaf which also doubles as a working classroom for hospitality students, giving them real world experience. The café is open to students from Year 10-12, all college staff, as well as the general public.
Towards the end of 2021, Craig was given the opportunity to fill in at the Sugarloaf Café, when they were short staffed. His capable, focused approach to the role did not go unnoticed by VET Academy of Hospitality teacher Jen McCourt who approached Craig about taking on a traineeship in 2022.
“Craig has an outstanding work ethic and practical ability, as well as a genuine talent and love for customer service and interaction,” Ms McCourt said.
“Craig has been an asset to the Sugarloaf Café team over the past two years. He embodies the spirit of the hospitality industry, not only in his skill but in his enthusiasm and approach.”
Although Craig is yet to decide on a future career, he is determined to learn as much as he can while at school.
“I have always wanted to be in the transport industry but am focused on completing my SACE this year and next,” he said.
“I enjoy hospitality and am keeping my options open for the future.”
Craig works two days in the Sugarloaf Café. He then participates in regular classroom-based schooling for the remaining three days of the week. In addition to this, Craig has a weekend job washing trucks and sharpening and repairing chains at local business Badenoch Logging.
College Principal David Mezinec applauded Craig’s enthusiasm.
“This (traineeship) is a credit to Craig and the confidence the Sugarloaf Café staff have in his abilities, but is also a testimony to the way our hospitality staff and Sugarloaf Café team build the skills and confidence of young people,” he said.
Craig is one of two trainees in the Sugarloaf Café this year, with 2021 Year 12 graduate Daniela Ortiz Kaizer taking on a full-time trainee role as part of the hospitality team for 2022. As with all other graduating trainees, Daniela will complete a Certificate III in Hospitality.
