News Release

P&O’s Pacific Partnership Program Sponsors First of its Kind Traineeship Program

P&O Cruises Australia is delighted to announce it has partnered with Cruise Eden to sponsor a two-year School Based Traineeship (SBAT) in Certificate III Tourism. Tailored for cruise, the SBAT Program is the first of its kind for an Australian regional port, and has been designed to create vocational employment and training pathways for young people in the South Coast region interested in a career in the Tourism industry.

Practical training commenced this week when the program’s first trainees - Year 11 students of Eden Marine High School, Keely Grebert and Ocea Thiedeman, boarded P&O’s Pacific Adventure for a ship tour with the Captain during her port call to Eden.

Marguerite Fitzgerald, President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia said, “The partnership with Cruise Eden is the latest initiative from our P&O’s Pacific Partnerships program, where our generous guest donations are invested back to local communities, such as Eden, that make our guests so welcome.”

“We’re thrilled to be supporting local students in their pursuit of a dynamic career in the travel and tourism industry, and further our unwavering support of gender diversity in the cruise industry. It was a pleasure welcoming Keely and Ocea onboard Pacific Adventure, showcasing P&O’s shipside operations to complement their shoreside experiences.”

According to educator and Cruise Eden Manager, Debbie Meers, Keely and Ocea will be assisting the Cruise Eden with operations on cruise days, and training with other tourism businesses during the winter months to broaden their industry experience and knowledge.

“We wish to thank P&O Cruises Australia for sponsoring this opportunity for two of our local young students who will gain invaluable experience in cruise shoreside while enjoying their subject studies,” said Meers.

For more information about P&O’s Pacific Partnerships, visit www.pocruises.com.au