Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia, announced its new Accor Indigenous Hotel Traineeship to provide career pathways and development opportunities for young Indigenous talent.

Designed in collaboration with various community and higher education partners, including Yugambeh Regional Aboriginal Corporation Alliance and Busy @ Work, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the program, the Accor Indigenous Hotel Traineeship is set to redefine career prospects for Indigenous youth in the hospitality industry.

Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams, said: “Our Indigenous Hotel Traineeship is the culmination of significant dedication and support. Our commitment to this program goes beyond training and education, it’s a labour of love. We offer our trainees infinite avenues for career development and growth, a culture of inclusivity that is open to all, and open pathways to travel and work around the world, while respecting and valuing individual personalities. Through this new traineeship program, we know we’ll secure incredible talent who will enjoy a rewarding career with Accor.”

The inaugural group of trainees hails from South East Queensland, specifically the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions, with Accor planning to expand the program across Australia from next year.

Over the course of 12 months, the trainees will participate in a comprehensive full-time hotel-based traineeship, with theoretical components delivered by TAFE Queensland. Upon completion, trainees will complete a Certificate III in Hospitality Operations.

The traineeship offers a unique blend of classroom instruction and practical experience, with three training days per month, complemented by on-the-job training in various departments.

All trainees will undergo three four-month departmental block rotations in food and beverage, housekeeping, and front office, providing them with a holistic understanding of hotel operations.

The Accor Indigenous Hotel Traineeship is aimed at individuals aged 17-25, and is designed to cultivate long-term sustainable career pathways for future Indigenous leaders within Accor. It represents a best-in-market initiative aimed at attracting ambitious talent with a keen interest in pursuing a career in the hotel industry.

The traineeship program forms part of Accor’s nation-leading Indigenous Careers Program, which has placed more than 2,500 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander team members into positions at Accor since its inception in 2015.

Similarly, in New Zealand, Accor has introduced the Tangata Whenua Program to enhance career opportunities for young Māori. This pilot initiative, spanning nine months, has already seen three participants placed in various departments, such as housekeeping, front office, and food and beverage, at Mercure Queenstown and Novotel Auckland Airport. These individuals benefit from comprehensive mentoring and educational assistance, provided jointly by Accor and Queenstown Resort College. Accor is dedicated to supporting and empowering Indigenous Māori and aims to expand the program across the nation.

In recent years, Accor has experienced a growing desire among its Indigenous team members to attain leadership roles. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated talent development initiatives, Accor has facilitated numerous success stories, including scholarships for tertiary education, leadership programs, and the appointment of Indigenous hotel general managers.

“This focus on personal capability development and pathways to leadership ensures Accor Indigenous team members have opportunities to grow and build meaningful careers over the long term,” added Adrian.