Empowering Futures: How Government Skills Assure Funding is Making a Difference in Small QLD Communities
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a special event hosted by the Year 12 students at Ayr State High School (SHS). These students, who have been diligently working through their Certificate II in Hospitality with Blueprint, organised a beautiful evening where they prepared and served finger food-style meals for their parents and caregivers. The event was not just a celebration of their culinary skills but also a testament to the transformative power of vocational education. Seeing the pride in the eyes of parents as their children presented the culmination of months of hard work was truly heartwarming.
After a long day on our feet—12 hours of setting up, supporting, and celebrating—my colleague Vicky and I decided to wind down at the local pub. As we debriefed, I couldn't help but reflect on how much of a difference Blueprint and this hospitality program are making in this small country town.
For some context, Ayr is a tight-knit community with a population of about 8,500, including surrounding areas. The town thrives primarily on sugar cane farming and other agricultural activities. The local vibe is very much “country,” with only about 10% of the population holding tertiary qualifications. Despite the ow numbers, the impact of vocational education through initiatives like the Government Skills Assure funding, supported by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT), is evident everywhere.
Take the local pub, for instance. Within just an hour, I noticed the ripple effect of Blueprint’s programs. The duty manager was a 2020 Ayr SHS graduate who earned a Certificate II in Hospitality through Blueprint. Two current students were working hard front-of-house, gaining valuable hands-on experience. We also bumped into a former student who had completed her Certificate II over a decade ago. Despite being on maternity leave, she remains active in the industry. And to round it off, another staff member from the 2021 cohort was working that night as well. How amazing is that!
This was just one pub out of half a dozen in the area, but it’s a pattern I’ve come to expect every time I visit a café or pub here—there’s always a high chance of bumping into either a current or former Blueprint Hospitality student putting their skills into practice.
Beyond the workforce impact, the community benefits from the skills these students bring. The quality of food and coffee in Ayr is excellent. It's rare to find a bad coffee or an underwhelming meal, and the level of customer service is outstanding. Blueprint’s programs serve two of the three high schools in the area and it’s clear that our efforts are making a tangible difference.
Delivering Cert II in Hospitality has brought a noticeable change to this community. Thanks to the support from the Queensland Government and funding through DESBT, initiatives like the Government Skills Assure program continue to empower students, equipping them with practical skills that benefit both them and their communities. I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing commitment of the Director-General for the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, whose leadership plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of these vital programs.
To everyone involved—students, trainers, partners, and community members—thank you for making this possible!
Certificate II in Hospitality | SIT20322 - VETiS funding (blueprintcd.com.au)
Tracy Lee | Blueprint Career Development (blueprintcd.com.au)
Skills Assure | Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (desbt.qld.gov.au)
Ayr State High School (eq.edu.au)
