Jumbo Prior recently successfully completed the ESS Hospitality Training Program, delivered by Happy Days Training to assist jobseekers to gain meaningful employment in the remote hospitality industry. The program was 2 week of live-in training at ESS Phosphate Hill.
First hearing about the program through his case worker at Job Network, Jumbo was interested in the prospect of full-time employment in a remote FIFO role, so jumped at the chance to join the program.
When asked of his experiences with the program, Jumbo commented that he has learnt a lot from the great teachers and has loved working in a team environment.
“I was very impressed with Jumbo and all the graduates, especially their ethic and initiative,” shared Project Manager, Aaron Meizner. “We had an emergency on site during their stay and they all volunteered to pitch in. This just shows their excellent character.”
A Palm Island native, who is a proud father and grandfather, Jumbo previously had extensive experience working with people in both Adult and Juvenile prison facilities and was also awarded the Aboriginal/Torres Straight Island Health Worker of the year.
In an open conversation with Jumbo, he shared about his battle with depression and how he used his creative talents to get him through some difficult times. Some of his amazing artwork can be found around the Townsville community. Jumbo also hopes to use this platform to be a positive role model for Indigenous youth in his community.
Since completing the program, Jumbo has taken on a full-time position with at Phosphate Hill as a Utility, alongside the other program trainees, where he hopes to continue to gain new skills.
We’re so proud of our team and we can’t wait to following Jumbo on his Compass Group journey.
