A passion for making a difference in the lives of the unemployed and underprivileged has led Arthur Burchett to found Equality Education, an initiative specialising in hospitality, leadership and management training.
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I launched Equality Education with a mission to bridge the gap between employers who were struggling to find skilled workers and individuals who were unemployed due to lack of job opportunities. Drawing on my experience in the training industry, I realised that both sides of the employment crisis needed a chance to succeed. I recognised that job seekers just needed an opportunity to showcase their abilities, but I also understood employers’ apprehensions, so I sought ways to ease their concerns. This led me to explore the various government incentives available for the hiring and training of staff in the hospitality sector.
My passion for helping the unemployed and underprivileged community led me to Townsville, where I worked on multiple initiatives to provide certified training courses to individuals from North Queensland. In 2023, I established Equality Education, a platform where I could share my expertise in training and life experiences to deliver the best outcomes for businesses and students who want to gain qualifications.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a business owner?
There are many, as any small start-up business can attest to, but the main three have been:
- Building a business from the ground up without any investors,
- Encouraging large businesses in Townsville to support a locally owned and operated training company, and
- Getting businesses to flip their view of training as an expense rather than an investment.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
My nickname is Arty, and I love to party (though I haven’t done much of it until my business succeeds). I believe in working hard and partying hard—responsibly, of course.
I tend to chat to my two dogs when I get home from a long day.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
Never give up, never, never, never. If someone says no, keep persisting and believe in yourself and that good people succeed in the end.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for you or your business?
I have a lot going on!
In addition to Equality Education I also own and operate AB Training Experts, and offer First Aid and CPR courses and Mental Health support for First Responders.
I have also started a charity called I’m Here which will help low socio-economic families and people struggling to overcome barriers to get employment, and I am keen to see it grow over the coming months.
Main image – Arthur Burchett
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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