Sometimes, the best way to show a young person where a career in tourism could take them is to let them experience it for themselves.

That’s what QTIC’s Tourism and Hospitality Gateway to Industry Schools Program is doing across Queensland, connecting students with businesses and giving them a closer look at the people, roles and opportunities behind our industry.

Recently, Maleny State High School students stepped behind the scenes at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre for the first Event Careers Uncovered industry immersion day. They met industry professionals, explored the roles that bring major events to life and discovered career paths they may never have considered.

For some students, these introductions are already turning into something more.

Y Schools Logan student Zena was connected with Emporium Hotel South Bank through the program, completing a week of work experience that led to a school-based traineeship and strengthened her interest in a tourism and hospitality career.

Emporium Hotel People and Culture Coordinator Eloise said creating these opportunities was an investment in the industry’s future.

“We often say hospitality students are our ‘talent of the future’, so it’s important to invest in their success and help develop the next generation of industry professionals.”

And the impact can extend well beyond school. Emporium has seen previous school-based trainees go on to build careers within the hotel.

By bringing schools and businesses together, QTIC’s Gateway program is helping young Queenslanders see tourism as more than their first job. It’s showing them where that first opportunity could lead.