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, but this time, rather than sharing a food experience with others, we want to train and empower individuals living with a disability to help create memorable food experiences for others. Sprout, Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. and Flinders University Nutrition & Dietetics (FUND) have partnered to create the Hospitably Inclusive Project (HI Project), a comprehensive training program that delivers a series of nationally accredited hospitality units aimed at preparing individuals with a disability to work in the hospitality sector.
Not only are we training individuals with disability but we are also helping create inclusive workplaces who employ a range of individuals from all backgrounds. This has the ability to expand a businesses client base as individuals with disability may feel more comfortable and confident dining at venues who employ staff with a disability.
We also recognise that from an employer's perspective, employing an individual with a disability can be a major decision and they want to be well prepared to meet the needs of their staff. However, please note, you are not alone, and all employers have free access to an ‘Employer Toolkit’ to support you and your staff to feel comfortable and confident in the workplace.
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.
So, what exactly is the HI Project?
Who can apply?
Applications to join the Hospitably Inclusive Project are open to enthusiastic South Australians with disability, aged between 15 and 35 years old.
What type of people excel in the HI Project?
Successful participants all typically share three key attributes:
- Passion for hospitality and working with people
- Willingness to learn
- Customer service and respect
Entry requirements for this program include:
- Completion of a pre-enrolment quiz developed by Sprout Training
- Completion of an LLN assessment.
People taking part in the program must also be able to travel to Sprout Cooking School in the suburb of Hilton and the Adelaide CBD.
What can I expect?
- Supportive learning environment
- Encouraging, positive and inspiring training style
- Well-paced with plenty of breaks to absorb what you've learnt
The program is delivered two days per week for nine weeks (including non-accredited units). Each day’s training is delivered at 2 facilities, including Sprout Cooking School and CBS Inc, as you work towards four valuable units of competency:
| Participate in safe work practices | (SITXWHS005) |
| Use hygienic practices for food safety | (SITXFSA005) |
| Show social and cultural sensitivity | (SITXCOM007) |
| Use food preparation equipment | (SITHCCC023) |
What do I get when I complete the program?
When you successfully complete the program, participants receive:
- Valuable, highly sought-after skills in hospitality
- Nationally recognised accreditation
- Access to non-accredited ‘Inclusive Waiter’ training
Students will receive a Statement of Attainment for each successfully completed unit of competency.
How do I apply?
If you think this is the opportunity you’ve been looking for, just send your CV and a one-page (maximum) cover letter to [email protected] telling us why you are the best candidate for HI Project training.
Places are limited, which unfortunately means we can’t take on everyone, but if you’re a shortlisted candidate, we’ll get in touch with you to arrange a relaxed interview as part of the next stage of the recruitment process.
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 sense of belonging
Dylan - HI Project Student
Information for Hospitality Employers
As a hospitality business, you probably know how difficult it can be to secure reliable, passionate, customer-focused career employees. The good news is establishments that employ people with disability consistently see:
- Improved business turnover
- Higher staff retention
- Customer loyalty and satisfaction
- Fewer staff absences
Our HI Project introduces you to passionate, dedicated staff, already trained in entry-level skills in a professional environment.
We understand employing an individual with a disability can be a major decision and you want to be well prepared to meet the needs of your staff. However, you’ll have free access to the specially created “Employer Tool Kit”.
This Tool Kit has been designed to provide:
- Cultural awareness training for all staff
- Information regarding subsidised training packages
- Disability industry expert advice and support
- Information regarding subsidised wages for eligible HI graduates
- Communication strategies to educate consumers about your new staff
- Information to gain an untapped client base by making your venue more inclusive
When you take on an HI Project graduate, your new employee brings:
- Nationally accredited units of competency in hospitality
- Job readiness and valuable skills in customer service, hygiene and food presentation
- Proven work ethic and passion for hospitality
Interested employers are also invited to take part in network opportunities to meet potential Inclusive Waiter employees.
For more information about inclusive hospitality workplaces, please call CBS Inc. on: 8224 2900 E: [email protected]
This program is fee-free for students and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Visit www.dss.gov.au for more information.
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.
Disclaimer:
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.
Sprout Training delivers the nationally accredited training units of competency as outlined above (RTO code 45247). All non-accredited training mentioned above is developed and delivered by Community Bridging Services Inc.
