18 February 2011 – A proud group of young people from Charlestown will burst forth into the work force on Friday 18 February as they graduate from a Diploma in Hospitality.

Local graduates of a Diploma in Hospitality, offered by Jobfind Centre Charlestown, will be recognised on Friday 18 February for their successful completion of the 6 month-long course.

Funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations' (DEEWR) Productivity Placements Program (PPP) and delivered by Newcastle's own Austraining Business Institute, the course is designed to fill the shortage of qualified staff available to restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs and cafes throughout the Hunter region.

As well as gaining sound theoretical knowledge of the managerial and technical skills required in the field, participants in the program also received a great deal of hands-on work experience thanks to partnerships formed between Jobfind and a number of local hospitality employers. While nine of the students who started the full-time course will graduate on Friday, a further six will continue their studies on a part-time basis through distance education after being offered employment with their work experience hosts.

“It's so heart-warming to see these bright young people graduating with the skills they need to pursue meaningful, fulfilling careers”, says Glenn Rumble, Regional Manager at Jobfind. “And Jobfind Charlestown, in part, has made this possible through the strong relationships we've built with local businesses. Not only does this help local job seekers gain valuable work experience and find a job that is right for them, it also means that local employers receive targeted assistance with their ongoing recruitment and training needs.”

The graduation ceremony will take place on Friday 18 February at Central Charlestown Leagues Club and will be attended by State Member for Charlestown, Matthew Morris, Federal Member for Shortland, Jill Hall, as well as local employers and many proud friends and family members.

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For more information please contact Ry Bradly on 02 9259 5530.

NOTES TO EDITORS: About Jobfind Centres Australia Pty Ltd

Jobfind is a division of the Angus Knight group of companies, an Australian-owned organisation with a proven, decade-long record of providing quality employment and training services. A provider of the Australian Government’s Job Services Australia, Jobfind has placed more than 350,000 people into jobs since its inception. For more information on Jobfind and the Angus Knight Group, please visit www.jobfindcentre.com.au