Robert's cup of life is full to the brim thanks to CQU and Mission Australia

After struggling for many years on the street, Robert Sore now has a new future ahead of him, thanks to his perseverance and a training partnership between Mission Australia and CQUniversity.

Robert's life changed for the better through his interaction with Mission Australia in Cairns.

"I was given the chance from one of the Mission Australia staff," Robert said.

"Then Cafe One (at Douglas House) and CQUni offered me a traineeship in a Certificate I in Hospitality."

Through the traineeship' Robert gained work experience in the Café One coffee van and helped make 50 coffees in 30 minutes on his second day of work during Antipoverty Week.

"It was an experience to remember' even though I was chucked in at the deep end'" he said.

"The training opened my eyes and will open eyes for others."

He said the training gave him the confidence to move forward.

"You can do good things if you have a good team and guidance'" he said.

Now Robert is taking his studies further by enrolling in a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations at the local TAFE.

"I like hospitality because I like cooking at home and I thought it would be best to do the Certificate II'"

"I hope to become a chef in the future.

"If you put your mind to it' you can achieve great things."

Mission Australia Douglas House Café One Coordinator Anne Ah Gee said Robert's success was an indication of the value of the training partnership with CQUni.

Mission Australia and CQUni joined forces last year to provide its Café One staff with a Certificate I in Hospitality qualification.

"We were extremely impressed and grateful to CQU for all the extra work they put in behind the scenes to assist us in having Robert assessed and certified in such a short timeframe'" Anne said. 

"All the extra work done by CQU' allowed Robert to access the next step in his journey towards skilled employment' with the chance of having not only a job' but also to have a trade qualification. 

"We really value our relationship with CQU' and when things come together to create outcomes like this' it reinforces our belief that this collaboration between our organisations is brilliant."

Explore TAFE Subsidised Training at CQU for more information.