Opportunity of a lifetime for local youth

Everyone is familiar with Jamie Oliver’s restaurant 15 where young people learn to run a restaurant as if it is their own. 

Thanks to a joint program between the City of Albury and Wodonga TAFE there is now an opportunity for young people in the region to gain high school graduation as well as learn the essential skills for running their own business while managing the Retro Café in Dean Street under the expert guidance of a mentor.

Enthusiastic young people are invited to apply to become part of the team that will run the Café. 

The idea came from Wodonga TAFE’s Victoria Conlan who said, “It’ll be challenging, but it’s an opportunity to learn, work and come out with some great employability skills…it’s a really great example of applied learning “.

Mrs Conlan went on to say, “The structure is similar to Jamie Oliver’s ‘15’; however, here students will manage all aspects of the business, not just cooking”.  The program is open to all determined young people who can see themselves operating their business in the future.

The successful applicants will enter a 10 month program in which the course work is integrated into the operation of the cafe.  This is ideal for people who like learning on the job.

Graduates of the program gain three qualifications; a Certificate III in Business, the Senior VCAL and national units from the Certificate II in Hospitality. 

Mrs Conlan also said that students will be responsible for writing a business and marketing plan, completing market research, organising staff, creating rosters and budgets, designing uniforms while also managing the hospitality aspect of the business, such as cooking, front of house, making coffee and even managing events. 

The hours worked at the café will be voluntary, however, there will be some exciting employment and learning opportunities available with Wodonga TAFE once the program has finished.

The program starts on 22 February 2010 with some intense training at the TAFE to prepare students for the grand opening of their very own business!

Applications are now open, to apply please contact Victoria Conlan on 02 6055 6358 or email vconlan@wodongatafe.edu.au.  Applications close on the 19^th February 2010.