27 March 2024
CALD training program celebrates graduation on International Women's Day
Sochenda Kuy arrived from Cambodia 7 years ago when her husband was sponsored to complete his PHD at Melbourne University.
Sochenda, formerly an accountant in Cambodia, found the language barrier challenging and turned to factory work in Springvale. When the family moved to the Latrobe Valley in 2024, she struggled to find employment.
Over the past fortnight, she's learned the ins and outs of the hospitality industry as a participant in the first 'A Cup of Hospitality' program in Morwell, which is focused on giving women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds training, qualifications, and a pathway to employment in Gippsland.
Sochenda said the program boosted her confidence significantly and taught her essential skills like barista training, preparing resumes, food handling, health and safety, and responsible service of alcohol. While also studying aged care online, Sochenda hopes that her new qualifications will lead her to a career in aged care hospitality.
Chelsea Lee Project Officer with the Gippsland Trades & Labour Council said they would continue supporting the pilot group on their journey to employment over the coming months. After the success of the first, she hopes to run a second program in April/May 2024.
'A Cup of Hospitality' was developed by the Gippsland Trades & Labour Council and the Latrobe Valley Authority to address workforce shortages in Gippsland's hospitality industry, as well as breaking down barriers that women from a CALD background face entering the workforce.
Pictured above: (left) Sochenda Kuy, (centre) graduating trainees, (right) Chelsea Lee.
Hear about the program from the people involved...
