HOW DOES OUR EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY MODEL WORK?
We’re so glad you asked. Our Employment Pathway program has been developed to act as a stepping stone towards mainstream employment. By providing professional development training supported by our brilliant hospitality trainers, our goal is to help our trainees excel in their roles at All Things Equal, preparing them for future roles in other workplaces.
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Our year long Pre-Employment Program provides trainees with their first ‘foot in the door’ of hospitality, providing them with an opportunity to develop their skills in a professional setting.
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Upon successful completion of our Pre-Employment Program, our trainees step into award-wage employment at All Things Equal, building meaningful connections with the wider community, every day.
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After completing our Employment Program, trainees are supported by the All Things Equal team to secure the next role in their career journey. Through partnering with some of the most ambitious and inspiring hospitality businesses in the industry, All Things Equal works to foster relationships with employers who will continue to foster meaningful and sustainable work for our trainees.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Employment Pathway Model?
Our model supports people with disability to learn real hospitality skills, prepare to work, and move into open employment with mainstream venues. This program includes structured training, paid employment, and personalised transition support.
Some people join us with past work or volunteering experience. Our 1:1 model teaches transferable skills in a consistent, systemised way, so everyone begins in our Access program.
Who is the program for?
People with disability over 18 who want to work in hospitality and are ready to build practical, transferable skills in a supportive setting.
You will be self motivated, open to learning, and have enough NDIS funding for 1:1 support. Training is completely tailored to the individual.
How long does the pathway take?
Timing depends on the person. As a guide:
Access = 12 months
Employ = 12 to 18 months
Bridge = ongoing, leading to a long term and rewarding career.
Do trainees get paid?
Award wage employment begins when trainees move into our Employ program. They are paid at the hospitality industry award while working at ATE and then in Bridge, with our employment partners.
What skills do trainees learn?
Trainees learn core hospitality and workplace skills such as customer service, food handling, communication, giving and receiving feedback, time management, self advocacy, and workplace confidence.
What supports are available along the pathway?
All training is tailored to the individual and funded at a 1:1 NDIS rate.
Support comes from program managers, hospitality professionals, hospitality trainers, and employment mentors.
We provide structured and supportive feedback (formally and on the job), person-centred learning resources, workplace accommodations and 1:1 transition support when moving into open employment.
How does ATE decide when someone is ready for open employment?
We use a strengths based assessment combining shift reports, trainer insights, and the trainee’s own goals. Readiness is shown through consistent performance, confidence, skill development, and growing independence.
What happens when a trainee enters our Bridge Program?
Our Bridge program supports every part of the transition. We work closely with inclusive hospitality partners and match the employer and the trainee for long term success.
We manage the communication, onboarding, and on the job support through an Employment Mentor. Over time, the mentor steps back as the trainee builds independence.
What types of jobs do graduates move into?
Graduates work in front of house and back of house roles across leading hospitality and professional services venues in Melbourne.
Roles include café and restaurant all rounders, catering assistants, boardroom attendants, and customer service roles.
What NDIS funding can support participation?
Most trainees use a mix of Core Supports, Capacity Building funding, and sometimes School Leaver Employment Supports. We help families explore relevant options but do not give financial advice.
Can someone stay employed at ATE’s café long term?
Our model is designed for transition. When trainees join our Employment Pathway Program, they are preparing to move into a new workplace at the end of their training.