Active in HELL (AiH) has shown Michael Toms there’s a whole world out there that he’d never considered before; a world he’s actively trying to enter, as he looks for his first permanent employment.
AiH is a paid training scheme run through HELL Pizza stores across the country, with support from IHC New Zealand. It teaches young adults with intellectual disabilities the practical skills required to thrive in a commercial kitchen, as well as the responsibility of having a job and working as part of a team.
Michael's six-weeks in the HELL Pizza Bishopdale store gave 27-year-old Michael his first look at what life in the hospitality sector might look like – and it’s safe to say he’s hooked! After spending 14 months working in remanufacturing, Michael needed to try something different – and it’s safe to say that AiH provided the positive change he was looking for!
In fact, he went from a total newbie to wanting to make a career in the industry in just 12 two-hour shifts, and his IHC Supported Employment Coordinator Amanda Miles says the experience was crucial.
“Since his time with HELL came to an end, Michael has completed a micro-credential in catering to build on the things he learned working in the HELL Bishopdale kitchen, and we’ve since started applying for roles as kitchen hands around Christchurch.”
Complete skill development
During his AiH training, Michael was tasked with cutting pizza tops, making up sauces, preparing pizza dough and re-stocking the fridge – but he says he learned much more than just practical skills.
“I learned a lot about my time management and how to work efficiently,” says Michael. “When I first started, I was a little apprehensive but I got more confident and comfortable in the job the longer I did it. It made me feel like kitchen hand work is something that I could do in the future.
“I also like that the work was enjoyable and the kitchen was a positive, supportive environment for me.”
Confidence in the workplace can be difficult to develop without hands-on experience – and Michael now has both! Amanda says it has also helped him discover more about what he’s good at.
“It has helped him discover roles that aren’t customer-facing, which is super important because not everyone has the skillset to interact with customers. But Michael is great at learning tasks and, once he learns something, he’s usually very good at it.
“He has fantastic attention to detail, which complements the nature of food prep very well.”
Two-way street
HELL Bishopdale franchisee Henry Chao Hu says he and his team love giving enthusiastic people an opportunity in the hospitality sector and have enjoyed being part of the AiH programme.
“It’s a great chance to meet young people, who are looking to take their next step into the workforce, and it’s heartwarming to be able to help capable individuals, who are interested in working in our industry.”
With Amanda’s help, Michael is actively looking for a permanent role in hospitality – even going door-to-door to hand out his CV to businesses around Christchurch. If and when Michael lands a job, you can be sure he’ll be the first one to thank Henry and the staff who worked so closely with him.
“I’m so grateful for their guidance and support,” says Michael.
Comentários