Frankie’s Cafe serves up career paths for young people
Published on 04 March 2021
An innovative and practical hospitality training program run via Frankie’s Cafe at the Frankston South Community and Recreation Centre continues to serve up hope and prospective career paths for young people.
Proudly supported by Frankston City Council, the program targets young people, aged 15 to 24 years, who are either unemployed or not engaged in education or training.
Frankie’s Cafe began hosting the Cafe Creations course in October 2018. Since then 65 people have participated.
South Ward Cr Liam Hughes said the practical youth re-engagement program enables young people to develop self-esteem while they gain pre-accredited training qualifications in the hospitality industry.
“The program includes a 10 week school term based Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) funded pre-accredited hospitality training program.
“Participants gain pre-accredited training qualifications in the hospitality industry and the program prepares them for employment or further training.
“The program takes vocational learning out of school and into the local community with a curriculum that is flexible and creative. Students gain skills and experience with hands on learning in a simulated hospitality environment,” Cr Hughes said.
Twenty-five young people will participate in the program this year.
Brooke, 23, said she is enjoying learning new skills, adding: “I like that it is a space where likeminded young people are learning new skills from the supportive teacher.”
Jasmine, 21, said: “Frankie’s Cafe has been heaps of fun and we are learning lots. We have a great teacher teaching us knife skills, cooking in a commercial kitchen, as well as using a commercial coffee machine. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the program and all the opportunities it will open up.”
Unice, 19 said: “I’m hoping to find a job in hospitality through the help of this program. I enjoy this program as its interesting and fun learning all these valuable skills.”
Participants gain Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate, Food Handlers Certificate, work experience in a cafe environment, support in finding future employment and maintaining employment plus interview, resume and cover letter writing training.
Coffees are available at Frankie’s Cafe from 9am and 12 noon, Monday to Friday.