How to crack a glass ceiling

A TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute program is helping women get a head start in tourism by linking them with industry experts during their final year of study.

The project co-ordinator, Ms Jayne Bachelor of the Shellharbour campus, said the “Protégé T.H.E.M – Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management Program’’ is an innovative approach designed to give women one-on-one practical experience and to encourage them to pursue a successful career in their chosen industry.

“Women are under-represented in management positions in tourism and related industries and this program aims to attract more women into these roles,” Ms Bachelor said.

“The program does this by providing role models, networks and mentoring – precisely the kind of support that is often missing from the industry,” she said.

“Protégé T.H.E.M provides this group of women opportunities during their final year to sit alongside industry specialists. Students are matched with an industry representative whom they then ‘shadow’ within the workplace, observing their day-to-day activities and asking questions. This opportunity gives the students at least 20 hours contact over 15 weeks.”

Ms Bachelor said that the feedback received from students and industry specialists involved in the program last year was extremely positive.

In 2007, the Protégé T.H.E.M program, which is co-ordinated by the Institute’s tourism, hospitality and event management section, attracted the support of many industry specialists.

They included Carole Johnston of JAi Events, Monika Armstrong of Culinarius by Monika, Deborah McCallum of Ravensthorpe Guesthouse and Restaurant, Deanna Lea of Hotel Ibis, Jonni Harrison of Lagoon Seafood Restaurant, Emily Squires of Novotel Northbeach, Debbie Cosmos of Shellharbour Workers Club and Tiffany Wheatley of The Educated Palate.

All of last year’s participants have been invited to be part of the program again this year, and Carole Johnston, director of JAi Events, said she was delighted to be involved again in 2008.

“This is a great initiative of the Illawarra Institute,” she said. “We need to encourage young women to enter the local tourism industry and this program can inspire them.”

For further information or to get involved in the program, phone Jayne Bachelor on 4295 2100.