A NEW program aimed at tackling soaring unemployment rates has been launched in Ballarat.
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The Hospitality Pre-Program being run by Elatum Group was established to create career opportunities for individuals wanting to find a way into the hospitality industry.
The eight-week course gives students accredited training and mentoring in areas including communication and customer skills, responsible service of alcohol and responsible gambling and practical training in areas including cooking and serving the public.
The students also receive specialised assistance on CV preparation, industry-specific interview skills and motivation techniques.
Trainer Rick Creamer said Ballarat was selected to run the program due its rising unemployment rates.
Students enrolled in the program range from 18 to 56 years old.
The program is made up of practical and theory workshops at Phoenix P-12 Community College and onsite work-based training.
“Many of people who are taking part in the program are people who have been out of the working industry for years,” Mr Creamer said.
“We cater to all walks of life. It’s not just teaching them the skills, but also giving them the confidence to ease back into employment.”
The group’s student liaison assistant, Amanda Menabue, said all training was delivered with state and federal government funding which meant most applicants were available for subsidies to offset the cost of training.
“It makes (the program) more accessible to people who may not be able to afford pre-employment,” Ms Menabue said.
She said since the program started in Ballarat in August, all students who had been enrolled had secured regular employment in the industry.
Elatum Group will be holding an information stall outside Kmart, at the Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre, daily until 5pm, from Monday to Sunday next week. For details, call 9654 6252.
melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Long journey ends in dream job
THERE was a time when Alex Desailly-Smith felt he would never be able to realise his dream.
In 2010, Mr Desailly-Smith, 24, broke his back in an accident.
The road to recovery was a long and painful one.
Mr Desailly-Smith endured extensive rehabilitation to get back on his feet and, while he is now able to walk and lead a high-functioning life, the incident left him lacking confidence.
“It wasn’t just the physical pain that was getting me down, it was also the idea that I wouldn’t be able to do things I had my heart set on before the accident,” Mr Desailly-Smith said.
He joined an employment agency, but after 15 months he had still not found a job and was growing disheartened.
However, after seeing an advertisement for Elatum Group’s eight-week hospitality program, he decided to sign up.
“I’ve always loved to cook and wanted to pursue that passion as a career in some way,” he said.
“But this wasn’t just a chef-based program because it taught me about the industry itself and how different elements of it work.”
During the course, Mr Desailly-Smith tried his hand as a barista, waiter and chef.
But his heart stayed true to getting an apprenticeship to become a chef – and last month he did, at Freight Bar, on Mair Street.
His trainer, Rick Creamer, said he had watched Mr Desailly-Smith flourish.
“He came into the program very shy and lacking in confidence,” Mr Creamer said.
“But as he learnt new skills, not only in cooking but all those other hospitality skills like making coffees and the theory-based aspect of the industry, he has just gone from strength to strength.”