Learning job-ready skills was the order of the day recently when a group of eager job seekers participated in the very first 'Cook.Move.Grow.' program.
This unique three-week program designed for young jobseekers combines practical kitchen training, accredited learning, and health and wellbeing activities with the aim of increasing their employability skills and creating more opportunities for them to gain employment. The program was made possible through close collaboration between APM Employment Services, SYC training, Workforce Australia - Local Jobs program, the City of Playford and the Adelaide United Football Club.
The City of Playford supported the program by providing the commercial kitchen at the Playford Civic Centre where participants gained practical experience and undertook a deep dive into the hospitality industry by learning skills in food hygiene, safe food handling, and food preparation. The practical hands-on training using food preparation equipment and cookery methods led them to the final task of preparing nutritious meals from a set menu provided by Adelaide United Football Club. The participants then served the Adelaide United players at a special graduation event, helping to develop real-world customer service and food service skills. A demonstration and training session in the Adelaide United gym was also attended by the participants to gain an insight into the exercise regime required of professional sportspeople.
“It was an opportunity presented by APM Employment Services and I am glad I took it on. Our instructor taught us cooking skills and it has provided hand-on experience which is great to have,” said Nick Tichborne, a participant in the program.
“I love cooking, and I hope to get a job in the industry when the opportunity comes up. It has been a great honour to serve the players today – they are very professional, and they are enjoying the food. I feel proud to be out here participating.”
Along with the social and practical experience gained, the completion of the program also provided participants with a nationally recognised RSA certificate - ‘Basic Skills in the Food Industry’ to aid them in securing employment within the hospitality industry.
“Today is important for me. It allowed me to express qualities such as working with people and show what these skills can bring to the table. I think these skills are particularly important because working in a team environment is very necessary for life,” said participant Emmanuel Taban.
The first ‘Cook.Move.Grow.’ has been a resounding success and plans are already in place to continue to build upon the concept further as it offers a dynamic and supportive environment for young people to build skills, confidence, and career pathways.
A-League Men’s Senior Squad player 18-year-old Sotiri Phillis spoke positively about community programs such as ‘Cook.Move.Grow.’
“It is nice to get back into the Playford area and meet with the participants of the program,” said Phillis, “The community is what we play for, so getting back to the community in ways such as this feels great. I would love to do it more often; it has been a really nice experience.”
Participants in ‘Cook.Move.Grow.’ will now also have the opportunity to attend an exclusive industry immersion tour at the brand-new Crowne Plaza Mawson Lakes on 15 August to further enhance their experience.
For more information, please contact Andrew, Employment Outcomes Coordinator at the City of Playford on email at AFrangos@strettoncentre.com.au.