Czech-born Marta Aujard has lived in Adelaide for less than four years but she’s already a passionate advocate for the city, working in hospitality at the Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets and volunteering at festivals.

Since arriving in Adelaide in January 2023, Marta has been developing her skills in English language and hospitality through TAFE SA.

Enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), she was studying the Certificate III in English when she had the opportunity to join ‘Cafe Service’, an employment pathway program that teaches practical coffee-making skills in conjunction with English language for employment.

“I found the hospitality element of the course very interesting. In the Czech Republic, where I’m from, I worked full-time in an office, but I wanted to change to a part-time job to have more time for my other interests, such as art, music and volunteering,” says Marta, who won the Adelaide Fringe 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award.

During the coffee course, Marta completed a two-week work placement at the Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets to help reinforce her new skills. She says she liked the environment and could see the flexibility a career in hospitality could offer.

Inspired to learn more, she enrolled in the Certificate II in Hospitality at TAFE SA’s Regency Campus, where she enjoyed the practical tasks and appreciated the knowledge of her lecturers.

Marta was delighted to be offered employment at the Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, which she describes as a boutique hotel with a great vibe.

“I like the customers and it makes me happy to provide them with a great service,” she says.

Marta has also added to her skills, studying the Certificate II in Cookery last year.

“At the hotel, you work closely with the chefs. I wanted to learn more about cookery and food, and be able to answer guests' questions, which are often about food,” she explains.

“Hospitality and cookery are connected, and I now have a better understanding of the pressure that chefs sometimes face when working in a fast-paced environment.”

The highlight of her training, Marta says, has been her teachers across TAFE SA’s AMEP, Hospitality and Cookery programs.

“Thanks to their friendly, understanding and supportive approach, I kept studying subjects that were all new to me, and it has opened up a new career path,” she says.

“Every day in the hotel industry is different and enjoyable. I am grateful that I can be part of it.”