Gab Titui Cultural Centre recently welcomed Neville Nona from Tagai State College Waybeni Koey Ngurpay Mudh for work placement.

The year 10 student shadowed Gab Titui staff and gained insight into daily operations at the region’s largest cultural keeping place and key tourist attraction.

From capturing products to back of house processing, the young man quickly discovered what it was like to work as part of the team responsible for nationally acclaimed exhibitions, developing Zenadth Kes artists and supporting the region’s arts industry.

While Neville’s dream is to become an engineer when he finishes high school, work experience at Gab Titui has taught him how to work in a team environment, be versatile and proactive – all traits any engineer should have.

“I have learnt so many new things at Gab Titui during my work experience, I was excited to learn a lot of unique things,” Neville said.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson George Nona acknowledged Gab Titui for its partnership with Tagai State College’s Tagai Tech Program, supporting the need to grow our own.

“TSRA is one of the region’s largest employers with a strong local First Nations workforce and we are committed to supporting yumi young people find their career pathways,” Mr Nona said.

“Gab Titui has given students practical exposure to the workplace to develop their skills, hone their work expectations and improve their employability in the future.

“It also gives them a chance to make professional relationships with TSRA staff for references and mentorship,” he said.

Over the past 20 years, Gab Titui Cultural Centre has facilitated traineeship opportunities and work placements that have created prapa pathways for students who now – as adults – have successful careers across various industries.

In June, the Centre also welcomed promising year 10 student Mckyus Levi who quickly learnt customer service, product management and gallery operations.