Three inspiring scholarship winners

Throughout this year, these three young women have been impressive with their resilience, work ethic and enthusiasm for our industry. They've all been keen to make the most of the networking and mentor opportunities that come with the Scholarship and our Committee has really enjoyed that aspect as well.

At the WITH Tas Christmas Celebration on 9th December, Lily, Caitlin and Thais will each be presented with their scholarship awards on successful completion of their study during a year which has presented more than its usual range of challenges.

Covid meant that Lily wasn't able to undertake any work experience but was still able to go on excursions. This was a highlight as she was able to see how business were dealing with the significant changes and could still enjoy what these businesses were offering customers. She also enjoyed being back at school after the lockdown period to complete the practical aspects of her course.

Lily was also lucky she was able to continue her school based Traineeship. This was a highlight as it gives her an insight into the Tourism Industry and the chance to learn new skills and gain from new experiences.

This year Lily undertook a school based traineeship at the Department of Primary Industries Parks Water and Environment. The traineeship was in the Parks section under visitor services and park entry and is a Certificate II in Business. She's hoping to convert the school based traineeship to a Certificate III in Business with ongoing employment with the Department. If not, after her contract finishes she will go to TasTAFE and study part time.

Longer term Lily would love to grow her small photography business with a future goal to host walking tours where she can teach people photography. This would complement well with everything she's learnt at parks and wildlife and everything gained through qualifications. A course in guiding will help make this idea successful.

Lily added " Throughout my studies and with help from Women in Tourism and Hospitality, I have been able to experience a wide variety of industry businesses and meet a lot of operators in Tasmania, gaining a greater understanding of the industry, confirming that this is the right industry for me to pursue a career in."

Caitlin completed her Certificate III in Travel and Tourism in June and is about to finish her Certificate IV in Tourism.

Next year Caitlin will begin an Advanced Diploma in Tourism through Drysdale and following on from there she'll do the articulation programme through UTAS to complete a Bachelor of Business (Tourism Management). Her studies will be completed half way through 2023.

Despite the challenges caused by COVID-19, Caitlin's enjoyed being allowed back onto campus for selected classes. She says it's been great seeing everyone again and having the social interaction (the little things we take for granted). Studying from home for the past 7 months has no doubt been a challenge but studying something she's passionate about kept her motivated and determined.

Caitlin's plans for 2021? To successfully complete her Advanced Diploma and keep exploring this beautiful island of ours!

Ultimately Caitlin would to get work in marketing with a focus on regional dispersal.

Thais is working through a commercial cookery course, a package of 3 qualifications: Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (completed in October 2020), Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (complete in March 2021) and Diploma of Hospitality Management (complete in October 2021).

This year was particularly challenging, especially when trying to find paid work. But the lack of work gave Thais more free time to cook at home and for friends to put into practice the range of techniques learnt in school this year. The Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is mainly composed of practical classes, which she enjoyed very much, not missing a single class!

For next year Thais is planning to learn more about permaculture, and work in a farm restaurant where she can learn to cook with fresh seasonal local produce and properly handle every step to plating it to a customer.

In the longer term she plans to explore more of Tasmania and gain as much knowledge of local produce, techniques and traditions as she can, adapting and developing a South American fusion cuisine to introduce to the local community.

Lily Pursell - 2020 Scholarship Winner

Caitlin Foale - Encouragement Award Winner

Thais Gonsalves Sousa - Encouragement Award Winner