The perfect beverage maybe something we take for granted, but for many Mt Druitt residents it can also be a pathway out of poverty and into employment.
For the past two terms Anglicare Mt Druitt, in partnership with TAFE NSW, has been offering a cafe skills course to people interested in the hospitality industry.
“We run these courses every year for the residents of Blacktown and Mt Druitt to gains skills for employment,” explains Hazel Crandles, Anglicare Capacity Building Coordinator.
“TAFE can also be overwhelming for people who have never undertaken formal studies at a tertiary institution. Running the course at Anglicare breaks down a lot of that initial concern. Many have discovered they actually liked learning or have found work through the programs.”
For Mt Druitt resident, Cheryl Swan, the cafe course has been more than a way to improve her skills.
“When my marriage broke up after 22 years, I really hit rock bottom,” Cheryl confesses.
“I was desperate and struggling financially. I came to Anglicare for help because my washing machine broke down. That’s when I spotted the hospitality courses.”
Cheryl initially completed a Barista course at Anglicare Mt Druitt and was able to get a couple of weeks’ work experience at Stanhope Gardens.
“Then I decided to go on and do the Cafe Skills course and it’s been great. It has given me a sense of achievement. It’s got me out of the house and given me purpose. I don’t know where I’d be without the course. Probably still depressed and feeling hopeless,” says Cheryl.
The Cafe Course runs for eight weeks and participants will learn how to make non-alcoholic beverages, milkshakes, frappes, ice coffee, fresh juices and smoothies. The training will also include a Workplace Health and Safety accredited unit.
For more information, contact Anglicare on (02) 8805 0969 or email [email protected]
Media contact: [email protected]