A promising partnership has delivered the inaugural Cook Move Grow program, welcoming its first group of eager job-seekers last week.
A collaboration between the City of Playford, APM Employment Services, SYC Training, Workforce Australia - Local Jobs program and Adelaide United Football Club has brought to life the unique three-week program.
Designed for young jobseekers, the program combines practical kitchen training, accredited learning and, health and wellbeing activities to increase employability skills and foster opportunities to gain meaningful employment.
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty is proud to leverage our brilliant local facilities and community connections to provide life-changing opportunities to young people.
"It is magnificent to see such a great uptake of the program and also, to involve many groups in our community to help bring it to fruition," he said.
"I hope to see this program thrive and continue to create new pathways for young people living in Playford.
The Playford Civic Centre commercial kitchen was utilised by program participants to gain practical experience and deep dive into the hospitality industry. Participants received training in food hygiene and safe food handling and preparation.
The practical hands-on training using food preparation equipment and cookery methods led participants to the final assessment of preparing and serving Adelaide United Football Club's set meal plan.
A demonstration and training session in the local football club's gym was also attended by the participants, to help gain insight into the exercise regime of athletes, with a graduation event held afterwards to recognise the hard work of participants.
Participant Nick Tichborne was excited about the opportunity presented by APM Employment Services.
"I am glad I took it on. Our instructor taught us cooking skills and it has provided hand-on experience which is great to have," he said.
"I love cooking, and I hope to get a job in the industry when the opportunity comes up. It has been a great honour to serve the players today - they are very professional, and they are enjoying the food. I feel proud to be out here participating."
Along with social and practical benefits, the completion of the program also provided participants with a nationally recognised RSA certificate - Basic Skills in the Food Industry - to support gaining employment in the hospitality industry.
Fellow participant Emmanuel Taban said the program was an important step in expressing skills which could lead to employment.
"Today is important for me. It allowed me to express qualities such as working with people and show what these skills can bring to the table. I think these skills are particularly important because working in a team environment is very necessary for life," he said.
A-League Men's Senior Squad player 18-year-old Sotiri Phillis was also a part of the action on the day and hoped to see more community programs such as Cook Move Grow come to fruition.
"It is nice to get back into the Playford area and meet with the participants of the program," Mr Phillis said.
"The community is what we play for, so getting back to the community in ways such as this feels great. I would love to do it more often; it has been a really nice experience."
Program participants will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive industry immersion tour at the brand-new Crowne Plaza Mawson Lakes on 15 August to further enhance their experience.
