VMCH helps trainees gain job-ready skills

NON-profit organisation VMCH is trying to counter the nation’s workforce shortage, spending the last year growing its unique employment pathways program that supporting people with a disability to learn job-ready skills in hospitality, horticulture and retail.

To mark International Day of People with Disability on December 3, VMCH has highlighted its work at Star Café at Torquay’s Star of the Sea Aged Care Residence, one of six VMCH social enterprises helping the organisation towards its target to support 100 people to find and sustain meaningful open employment by 2025.

Karen is one of nine locals who have taken part in traineeships at Star Café since it opened last December.

Karen joined as she was keen to try something new, and has enjoyed the experience of serving customers, learning how to use the online sale system, making toasties, fruit salads and cleaning.

“My favourite part so far is working with Cathy and Lisa [café staff], learning new things and being around the customers,” she said.

Karen and her fellow trainees have not only gained valuable life and job skills but have also contributed positively to the lives of customers, including aged care residents who live on-site, their loved ones, nearby retirement village residents, and Torquay locals of all ages.

Café disability support worker Lisa Breen said she was proud of Karen’s progress, describing her as a “very valued team member”.

She said opportunities provided in social enterprises such as Star Café were vital for people with disability.

“It allows the clients the chance to grow and develop the skills that will be used in independent living and provide invaluable social skills, especially at Star Café with the intergenerational aspect,” Ms Breen said.

“Having been a trainer in the classroom, I honestly feel that the hands-on work is invaluable and seeing the interaction and the enjoyment from the clients is incredible.”

VMCH general manager of disability services Daniel Carter said over the next year, VMCH hoped to raise its training hours by 20 per cent across its social enterprise cafes, op shops and horticulture programs to help double the number of people transitioning from training to employment.

“Of course, not everyone wants to be a barista, maintenance officer or retail worker.

“So, to help people explore jobs in other industries we partner with businesses such as the YMCA, Veolia, Ventia and governments who are both committed to the benefits of a diverse workforce, and in need of staff to fill critical skills gaps.

“By normalising the employment of people with disability in a range of roles and industries we reduce the anxiety of businesses to embrace the opportunity for the more than 1.1 million Australians with a disability to find a meaningful job.”

For more information on VMCH’s Employment Pathways program, head to vmch.com.au/disability/for-adults/job-skills or phone 1300 698 624.