Cooking up job ready skills

Students at a remote school in the far northern Kimberley are perfecting their hospitality skills as part of an initiative to provide pathways to employment.

Kalumburu Remote Community School is located in the most northern community in Western Australia, situated on the banks of the King Edward River.

After identifying the key interest areas of conservation, hospitality and tourism in the local area, the school worked to offer these courses to provide skills for students’ futures.

It began with a Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management in 2022. Now, students have been studying a Certificate II in Conservation and a Certificate II in Hospitality in 2023 and 2024.

Principal Simon Duncan said it was important students had meaningful pathways to further study and employment opportunities. Most recently, students travelled to the TAFE in Kununurra to complete competencies for the Certificate II in Hospitality.

“The students learnt culinary techniques and prepared dishes including satay chicken, fish and chips, Caesar salad and chicken schnitzel,” Mr Duncan said.

“All of the students achieved two competencies towards the certificate during the week and performed admirably in the pressure of the kitchen.”

Mr Duncan said the courses and pathways are proving successful, with a student securing a school-based traineeship with local rangers and working towards higher qualifications after completing certificates in conservation and hospitality.