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| Café Horizons: staffing |
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The team of five staff at Café Horizons is comprised of two full-time trainers, Gordon Crocker, as well as Jason McMillen who has been with the Café since its inception. Heather Gorton and Karen Yates share training sessions throughout the week and youthworker Kelly Baird joins the group from 8.30am - 11am Monday - Friday.
"I wear many hats... a business hat making sure we’re running at a profit, a welfare hat to guide students through personal issues and a training hat to ensure students are receiving adequate training for the hospitality industry... and they seem to be at constant odds with one another!"
Program Co-ordinator, Jason McMillen
All staff members are accredited hospitality trainers with further qualifications in adult education. At the Café there is a personalised staff to student ratio of 1:6. Trainees (students) are not paid a wage but are eligible for unemployment benefits by participating in an approved training program. |
Staff members not only provide education and training but also develop meaningful relationships with the students that are long lasting, some extending well beyond the duration of the program. In a report released by Café Horizons in August of last year detailed under the header ‘Unexpected Outcomes’ was the following -
"The most unexpected outcome has been the level of on-going attachment which graduates have to the Café and the Café staff. Many of them drop into the Café on a regular basis. Others come in when things have gone wrong for them, partly to seek help and partly to ground themselves. Others ring in or write to let staff know how they are going. For many graduates, the Café is a significant milestone in their lives and can act as a point of connectedness for them for 12 months or more after they leave."
CASE STUDY 3:
MICHAEL, 17 |
Seventeen-year-old Michael was referred to the Café by a local youth refuge. He worked well in both the classroom and the café. He was quick to learn, respectful and followed directions easily. His easy-going nature and fun personality made him popular with both staff and students. He was very reliable at the beginning and his attendance and punctuality were great, but they progressively got worse throughout the course.
Michael had ongoing homelessness issues - he stayed at various refuges throughout the course, including a few friends’ homes. He then moved in with his father, causing a bit more disruption to his lifestyle. Social activities also became a bit of an issue; late nights resulted in lateness and absences at the café.
However, despite the distractions he did complete his Cert II. He was offered extra assistance from the Café to gain RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol). Unfortunately, after the graduation he disappeared for a period of time, his personal issues overwhelmed him again. Michael has since returned to the café to help out on occasions. Michael is now using the customer service skills here learned at the Café and working in sales. He is enjoying working in a team and gaining job satisfaction.
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