The ProStart programme had a great year in 2017 with many student success stories. Here on our ProStart Spotlight, we share Arlea’s path to hospitality success through the ProStart programme.
Arlea enrolled in the ProStart programme in March this year, having been a single mum caring for a child with a disability for over 10 years. She was keen to get back into work but lacked confidence or skills to get in the door. She approached ProStart with commitment and determination to learn as much as she could. Over the weeks of training we watched her confidence grow and her determination turn into skill development.
Work experience was approaching and she decided that she really liked Bloc Café in Auckland and approached them herself to ask if she could do her hours with them. This demonstration of confidence was something she says could never have happened without ProStart and her facilitators’ support.
The team at Bloc Café embraced Arlea – who came to them with a positive attitude and a solid set of skills — and offered her a job at the end of work experience. They have continued to develop her over the months and she is a great member of their team.
7 months after graduating from the ProStart programme, Arlea is working at Bloc Café, has continually increased her hours as she adjusted to working and parenting at the same time. Her confidence and outlook on life grew and she loves being part of the greater hospitality family.
If you want to be part of one of the ProStart students stories, seeing them enter into employment, gain experience, and be part of our hospitality community, get in touch with the ProStart team today.
In partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, our ProStart programme is committed to assisting our member employers who are challenged with finding people with the right skill set to enter our industry and introduces out-of-work students to the basics of hospitality.
Find out more about the ProStart programme
If you are interested in talking with a ProStart graduate, or finding out more information about the programme, or if you’re an establishment that would like to get involved in supporting or sponsoring the programme’s initiatives, contact us today:
0800 737 827 • prostart@restaurantnz.co.nz