More than 100 high school students have participated in a groundbreaking work experience program through Australasia’s leading Resort and Club Management Company, Classic Holidays, with 15 students also gaining employment with the company as a result.

Classic Holidays has been a national leader of the Work Inspiration program, developed by The Smith Family, since 2013, which has inspired students to not only recognise but reach their future career goals.

Now in its fourth year, Classic Holidays has established the program as a pathway for local Gold Coast high school students, particularly those at risk of dropping out of school.

Based on Australia’s Gold Coast, over 100 local students have been welcomed into their Head Office and resorts for traineeships over the past four years, with 15 part time and full time staff now working at Classic Holidays and its resorts as a result of participating in the program.

In 2017 the program took out a national award for Excellence in Advocacy of Career Development Policy by the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA), and Classic Holidays’ Julia Whitton and Penny Angus also received the Innovation Award for the Work Inspiration program at the group-wide Benny Awards in July 2017.

Classic Holidays CEO Ramy Filo said Work Inspiration has been critical in supporting career development across a broad range of school students.

“The Work Inspiration program has opened these students’ minds to the career possibilities that are out there, while also developing their confidence and communication skills in a unique, interactive and personalised way,” said Mr Filo.

“We are a company that is passionate about giving back to the community and helping the next generation to reach their career goals,” he said.

Staff mentors from Classic Holidays have also gained valuable benefits from assisting students through the program; connecting with students who need guidance and to see non-traditional career paths as a viable option for their future.

“We’re very proud of what we have achieved and continue to achieve with these programs, so it is an honour to have received recognition as a national leader in career development,” said Mr Filo.

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About Classic Holidays

Classic Holidays is Australasia’s largest Resort and Club Management Company, with over 65,000 member families and more than 30 properties under management across Australia and New Zealand. Classic Holidays provides flexible and affordable membership options for families to enjoy the highest quality holidays throughout Australia, New Zealand and around the world.

Part of the award-winning Beneficium group of companies, Classic Holidays has been named Best Management Company for six consecutive years in the global timeshare industry’s prestigious Perspective Magazine Awards, as well as Best Overall Company in 2017.

For more information, visit www.classicholidays.com.au