Based in Darwin, this commercial catering business provides practical training and work experience to disadvantaged jobseekers. Now in its second year of operation, the business is thriving, and recently catered for a 130-person event at the Darwin Museum.
Saltwater Kitchen currently employs 18 trainees, who are all undertaking or have just completed their Certificate II in Hospitality.
“Some of our trainees have never had a job let alone knowing what responsibilities having a job entails,” said Enterprise Development Manager, John Vreeling.
“The program is a real success and you can see it in our participants. Many commence with little or no self confidence and at the end of the 26 weeks you can really see a positive change.”
Trainees are employed for a period of approximately 26 weeks. During this time they rotate work locations between any of the three local primary school canteens and Saltwater Kitchen. During this time they are mentored and supported by our Canteen Managers – one of whom is a former trainee of the program – and Saltwater Kitchen’s resident Head Chef, Leigh Harding.
Saltwater Kitchen is operated by Mission Australia as part of the Changing Places Innovation Fund, which is delivered by the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations.
Photo: from left, John Vreeling (Enterprise Development Manager) with trainees Dwayne Wilson and Sarah-Jane Walkington at the Darwin Museum function earlier this month.
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