Training a New Generation of Hospo Workers

The program will be offered to at-risk youth, disadvantaged groups such as people with additional needs and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and parents and carers looking to return to the workforce. 

“Toongabbie Sports is enormously proud to have supported this initiative since 2017 contributing more than $45,000 to assist all participants reach their potential,” said Chief Executive Officer at Toongabbie Sports Andrew Lauridsen. 

The students will learn how to make barista-standard coffee, cash and Eftpos handling, safety and hygiene practices, as well as developing customer service skills tailored to customer-facing hospitality roles, which are transferrable into other sectors. 

“It is always a pleasure to engage with the students and hear their stories and about the skills and confidence the program gives them. Crystal from Café Connect and her ever-evolving team are amazing and we look forward to this community-based initiative continuing to make positive change.” 

“We have seen students who were previously disengaged from school complete the Café Connect program and re-engage with school, teachers and peers to go on and complete their HSC.”

The positive outcomes from the Club’s donations are felt from the graduates, their parents and the program developers. 

“We have seen students who were previously disengaged from school complete the Café Connect program and re-engage with school, teachers and peers to go on and complete their HSC,” said Executive Officer at Hills Community Aid and Developer of the Café Connect program Mici Beer.  

“We’ve also assisted with training for women who have survived long-term domestic violence, and through Café Connect, have built the skills needed to confidently move into their first job. 

“These are only a handful of positive outcomes from Café Connect and these outcomes are only possible with the support of ClubGRANTS and funding.”