INTAKE NOW OPEN
Cohort 15, commencing Sept 2026
Cohort 16, commencing Jan 2027
Limited spots available.
Please send a CV and a one-page (maximum) cover letter to
[email protected] as soon as possible, explaining why your student or client is the best candidate for HI Project training.
Click here to apply
About the HI Project
Everyone has a talent, including individuals who live with a disability, and we want to help everyone grow and shine in the hospitality sector.
We all know that food brings people together. The Hospitably Inclusive (HI) Project takes that idea further — training and empowering individuals living with a disability to build a career in the hospitality industry and to help create memorable experiences for others.
Sprout Training (RTO code 45247) and Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. have partnered together to develop & deliver the HI Project — a comprehensive, nationally accredited training program that prepares individuals with a disability for employment in the hospitality sector.
The HI Project also works with businesses to build genuinely inclusive workplaces. Research consistently shows that venues that employ people with disability see stronger staff retention, higher customer loyalty, and a broader client base — particularly among the disability community and their networks.
This is an exciting opportunity to empower people with a disability, reduce barriers and allow these motivated individuals to have a positive impact in an industry that is the backbone of Australian culture.
What is the HI Project?
Who can apply?
Applications are open to anyone aged 15–35 who identifies as living with a disability and has an interest in working in hospitality. This includes high-school students exploring post-school pathways.
What does it take to succeed?
Participants who excel in the HI Project typically share three key qualities:
- A genuine passion for hospitality and working with people
- Willingness to learn and try new things
- Commitment to great customer service and respect for others
Entry requirements for this program include:
- Completion of a pre-enrolment quiz
- Ability to travel to Sprout (Hilton) and the Adelaide CBD
- Able and willing to stand for several hours at a time during practical lessons
What can I expect?
- A supportive, encouraging and inclusive learning environment
- Well-paced training with opportunity to absorb and apply new skills
- Accredited units of competency delivered by industry professionals
- Post-completion support into employment for those who want it
The HI Project runs two days per week over approximately 11 weeks, incorporating both accredited and non-accredited training. Sessions are delivered across two locations: Sprout Cooking School in Hilton and CBS Inc. in the Adelaide CBD.
What do students receive upon successful completion?
- A Statement of Attainment for each completed unit of competency
- Nationally recognised skills and knowledge in hospitality
- Access to non-accredited Inclusive Waiter training
- Post-completion support into employment (for those seeking work)
The project is true to its name, it's inclusive, it gives people who are disadvantaged or people who have difficulty getting into this industry, a genuine sense of belonging
Dylan - HI Project Student
Two streams are available, allowing students to choose the pathway that best suits their interests and goals:
Stream 1: Kitchen Hand
This stream suits participants interested in working behind the scenes — food preparation, kitchen support, and hygiene-focused roles.
| Use hygienic practices for food safety | (SITXFSA005) |
| Participate in safe work practices | (SITXWHS005) |
| Use food preparation equipment | (SITHCCC023) |
| Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery | (SITHCCC027) |
Stream 2: Customer Service
This stream is designed for participants interested in customer-facing roles — think café service, restaurant floor work, and front-of-house hospitality.
| Use hygienic practices for food safety | (SITXFSA005) |
| Participate in safe work practices | (SITXWHS005) |
| Provide service to customers | (SITXCCS014) |
| Prepare and serve espresso coffee | (SITHFAB025) |
How do I apply?
If you think the HI Project is the right opportunity for your client or student, send a CV and a cover letter (one page maximum) to:
Jack Moloney — Project Coordinator, HI Project
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0417 399 143 or 08 8224 2900
In your cover letter, please explain why your student or client would be a great fit for the HI Project.
Places are limited, so we encourage early applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a relaxed, informal interview as part of the next stage of the process.
Information for Hospitality Employers
If you’re a hospitality business, you know how hard it can be to find reliable, passionate, focussed staff. HI Project graduates are exactly that — motivated individuals who have completed professional, nationally accredited hospitality training and are ready to contribute.
What graduates bring to your business:
- Nationally accredited units of competency in hospitality
- Proven work ethic, customer service skills, and food safety knowledge
- Job readiness supported by ongoing post-placement assistance from CBS Inc.
What’s in it for your business:
- Access to a motivated, under-tapped talent pipeline
- Improved staff retention and team culture
- Potential eligibility for wage subsidies and employer incentives
- Strengthened community reputation and a broader customer base
- Free access to the Employer Toolkit — practical guidance on supporting staff with disability
The Employer Toolkit includes:
- Cultural awareness training for your whole team
- Disability industry expert advice and support
- Information on subsidised training packages and eligible wage subsidies
- Communication strategies to help your team and customers thrive
To find out more about working with a HI Project graduate, contact Jack Moloney at CBS Inc.:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0417 399 143 or 08 8224 2900
Interested employers are also invited to attend network events to meet potential graduates in person.
The HI Project is a unique, practical learning experience that I am excited and honoured to be involved in. I can’t wait to see what our participants achieve during and after the course.
INTAKE NOW OPEN
Cohort 15, commencing Sept 2026
Cohort 16, commencing Jan 2027
Limited spots available.
Please send a CV and a one-page (maximum) cover letter to [email protected] as soon as possible, telling us why your student or client is the best candidate for HI Project training.
Click here to apply
Funding and accreditation
The HI Project is fee-free for all students, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA). Visit www.health.gov.au for more information.
Nationally accredited training is delivered by Sprout Training (RTO code 45247). All non-accredited training is developed and delivered by Community Bridging Services Inc.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to these accredited units at the time of publication. Recruitment for the HI Project is facilitated by Community Bridging Services Inc.
