Seta’s Café is more than just Campbelltown’s coolest new coffee shop.
Three months after owner and manager Seta Berbari opened the café in Dumaresq Street, it is getting rave reviews around the town.
Those who’ve been there talk about the ambience, the great coffee and the delicious food.
But they also make a point of mentioning the friendly and professional service from the staff at Seta’s Café.
And this is where the folk at Macarthur Workplace Learning Program – these days just called MWLP – come in.
Two of Seta’s Café staffers came via the MWLP Linking Youth Work Placement program.
Ms Berbari had hosted students under the MWLP program at a previous job and was quick to sign up for it when she took the plunge to open her own business at Seta’s Café.
During the first two months of Seta’s Café operation MWLP provided the business with two outstanding hospitality students who were quick to impress.
So impressive were they – front and back of house, preparing food, cleaning, cooking and waitressing – both were offered casual jobs by Ms Berbari.
One of the students, Amy Hocking from Broughton Anglican School, will begin Year 12 this year and will also be working most Saturdays and Sundays at Seta’s Café.
Amy says had never heard of Seta’s Café until she was given the opportunity to choose her host employer in her hospitality class at school.
“I love working here,’’ Amy says.
“My work placement gave me the opportunity to see how wonderful the staff were and how much fun working in the kitchen was.
“I was so happy when Seta offered me the job after my one week placement.
“It is enjoyable to come to work with a boss like Seta.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It is definitely a career I may consider pursuing once I leave school – possibly even opening my own café one day.”[/social_quote]
It will come as no surprise that Ms Berbari also gives the MWLP Linking Youth Work Placement program a big thumbs up.
“This is a win/win program, offering benefits to both the student and employer and I encourage all business to give it a go,’’ Ms Berbari says.
“I urge the students to ask questions and learn as much as they can in the week they are with the host.
“They get to experience the work place, sometimes for the first time ever and the business gets a young person with skills to assist them.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The students can also add value to your business – Amy’s friends and mum are now regulars.[/social_quote]
“And they are telling their friends!
“It is also a great way to interview potential new staff as you get to see them in action,” Ms Berbari said.
Macarthur Workplace Learning Program – MWLP – is a local community partnership for students, parents and teachers.
This community organisation has been operating in the Macarthur area of South West Sydney since 1995 and the Inner South West region since the start of this year.
MWLP provides a brokerage service that enables around 6,800 HSC students to participate in two weeks of learning in the workplace during Years 11 and 12.
Local students in Year 11 and 12 who are studying vocational courses such as hospitality are required to complete two week’s work placement (one week in Year 11 and one in Year 12).
One stop shop for businesses and schools
MWLP provides a convenient “one-stop-shop’’ service for businesses, schools and TAFE colleges in addressing a significant (and mandatory) HSC learning need for courses in skill shortage areas such as automotive, business services, construction, electrotechnology, entertainment, financial services, hospitality, human services, information digital technology, metal and engineering, primary industries, retail and tourism.
By being involved in structured workplace learning as provided by MWLP, young people gain a better understanding of the world of work and are given a chance to develop their technical and general employability skills in the workforce.
Just like the two students placed at Seta’s Café.
♦ For businesses that want to become a part of this free program, please call Trudi or the Work Placement team on 4625 1863 or email Trudi at trudi.haycock@mwlp.com.au
For more information on MWLP, visit their website here.
