In March 2022, The Ville Resort-Casino took a bold step in workforce development, launching its School-Based Traineeship Program with a Certificate III in Hospitality in partnership with CTA Training Specialists.
It’s a move which has paid off – significantly boosting The Ville’s workforce and creating exciting careers for young people enrolled in more than 10 schools across Townsville.
Previously limited by casino licensing regulations, The Ville’s engagement with under-18 team members was minimal. But the introduction of the school-based traineeship signalled a new era—one focused on nurturing young talent and embedding early career development into the heart of the business.
The program is led by The Ville’s Learning and Development Coordinator, Rebecca Hoffensetz, a passionate advocate for vocational education and training (VET) across North Queensland, with strong support from General Manager of Food and Beverage, Philip Cheng.
“What began as a strategic pivot in the wake of COVID-19 has quickly become a game-changing model for youth engagement and career readiness in North Queensland,” Rebecca said.
Philip Cheng, General Manager of Food and Beverage said the team believes in building futures, starting with young people in our community.
“Our School-Based Training Program is more than a workforce strategy; it’s an investment in potential, passion, and purpose. Watching these students grow from their first shift into confident, capable team members is incredibly rewarding,” Philip said.
“This is more than a training initiative—it’s now a cornerstone of The Ville’s Learning and Development Strategy and a proud contribution to Queensland’s broader VET ecosystem.”
Since its inception, the program has expanded to include school-based apprenticeships in commercial cookery, rotating students through a variety of food and beverage outlets and kitchens. These experiences offer students hands-on exposure to diverse styles of service, sharpening their skills and building their confidence in a dynamic hospitality environment.
Over 40 school-based trainees and apprentices have already joined The Ville’s team, with most transitioning into permanent roles after completing their training. The results speak for themselves – structured feedback systems, performance tracking, and early support interventions ensure no student is left behind.
The Ville’s commitment doesn’t stop at the kitchen door. Through mock interviews, school visits, and industry tours, the team has engaged more than 350 students and teachers across 2024 and 2025, offering a window into real-world hospitality careers.
Shining examples of the program’s success include Sylvane Byrnes and Ella Lipscomb, both named regional finalists for the Queensland Training Awards' School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year—Sylvane in 2023 and Ella in 2024. In a true milestone, Tillie Haughton, a 2022 trainee, became the first school-based team member to join The Ville’s internal Leadership Excellence Program less than a year after finishing high school.
A Queensland Training Awards winner herself, having claimed both the North Queensland regional and Queensland state titles for VET Trainer of the Year in 2024, Rebecca says continuous improvement is at the heart of The Ville’s training strategy.
“The Ville is not just training the next generation of hospitality professionals—it’s shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
For more information on school-based training in North Queensland email the Department of Trade, Employment and Training: tpe@desbt.qld.gov.au.
Last updated 26 June 2025
