Kitchen collaboration opens doors for workers with disability

A SUPPORTED work experience partnership model between two Geelong businesses is providing meaningful employment pathways for workers with disability.

Vietnamese restaurant Pholklore has been leasing disability support provider genU’s commercial kitchen in North Geelong for almost 12 months, assisting workers with disability to experience a new workplace environment, without the pressure of needing to commit to being employed.

genU director of employment services Jamie-Lee Demmer said two genU participants had since been successfully transitioned to open employment in the Pholklore kitchen, while a former supported employee is working in roles at both Pholklore and Corio’s Viva Café.

“Through this model, which Pholklore has embraced, our supported employee and participants have the chance to demonstrate their skills, abilities and their commitment to working in a challenging, high-paced kitchen environment.

“This also allows Pholklore to see whether the employees are a good fit in the workforce and can manage the tasks they need to carry out on a daily basis.”

Pholklore owner Dominic Friend said the initiative was designed to connect commercial businesses and the disability sector as a way to foster inclusivity and support.

“We’ve been able to welcome new team members who bring fresh perspectives and unique strengths to the workplace, so it’s been really positive for us.

“It’s also given us a meaningful way to support a more inclusive and socially responsible work culture, which is something we care deeply about.

“We’re able to provide real-world experience and skills development, and in return, we’re gaining team members who are genuinely motivated and keen to grow.”

He said seeing genU participants and supported employees transition into open employment had been a real highlight.

“It’s exactly the kind of outcome we were aiming for.”

genU chief executive Clare Amies said the organisation was committed to lifting the participation rate of people with disability in the mainstream workforce.

“Pholklore sharing our physical space at our Douro Street premises has broken down barriers and helped people with disability show how much of an asset they can be in the workplace,” she said.

“Businesses should be looking to people with disability as a solution for their workforce needs.

“We are proud to see our supported employees taking every opportunity to follow their career dreams.”