New hospitality program helps CALD women secure work
Published by Lauren Zammit on
New hospitality program helps CALD women secure work

We’re thrilled to announce that a group of over 20 refugee and migrant women have successfully graduated from SisterWorks’ newest Food Handling and Hospitality program, setting them up to enter jobs in a major Victorian industry.
Funded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s Local Recovery Fund and delivered in partnership with Job Find and the Imperial College of Australia, the course provided women with knowledge and hands-on skills across topics like food safety, food hygiene, food preparation.
“After the program, I am much more confident to look for more jobs and follow my dream career in hospitality,” reflects one program participant, Stephanie, who is from the Philippines.
Stephanie, like all the graduates, was referred to the program through our valued partner and employment services provider, JobFind.
From referral through to graduation, the journey has been life-changing for many refugee and migrant women in our community, empowering them to overcome barriers to work, gain independence, and earn an income.
“The program gave me confidence to find employment. The trainers supported me a lot from start to finish, and they continue to support us and motivate us,” says one program participant from China, Liqiong.
“I highly recommend this program to people who are applying for jobs, going for interviews and want to gain confidence when talking to employers.”
Many Victorian hospitality businesses have recently been forced to reduce their hours or close their doors completely due to staff shortages.
Our graduates are already lending a solution to some, with six taking up jobs with local businesses.
SisterWorks is planning to deliver additional rounds of this program to at least 40 more refugee and migrant job-seeking women this year.
Are you a hospitality business in Victoria looking for staff members to join your team? Get in touch with michelle@sisterworks.org.au discuss suitable candidates we can connect you with.
Know a refugee or migrant woman who would like to attend job-ready programs like this? Refer her to SisterWorks. Registration is completely free.
SisterWorks would like to thank the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, The Imperial College of Australia and JobFind for supporting the design, delivery, and promotion of this program.
