On 1st October, International Coffee Day, we celebrate Australians national obsession with coffee. A nation where over 19 million (equivalent to three quarters of the population) drink coffee regularly, with the average Australian drinking 14 cups of coffee per week.
International Coffee Day also celebrates the sector’s diversity, quality, and passion and is an opportunity for coffee enthusiasts to share their enthusiasm and to support the coffee community who deliver the much needed cup each morning – whether this be farmers, roasters or baristas, like George.
For George, a young barista from Albany, Western Australia, coffee has always been a passion for him, but struggling with a significant lack of self-confidence had prevented him from securing a job in the hospitality industry that he was so passionate about.
“I really wanted to work more but was finding it really hard because I just didn’t know where to start. I wanted to be able to work more to earn more money, to become independent, but I just felt stuck, and I didn’t know how to get myself started”, said George.
That is when George decided to reach out for support at atWork Australia. Together, George and his Job Coach Sandra, uncovered George’s passion for coffee and turned this into an employment opportunity that not only suits his skills, but most importantly, is something he enjoys.
“When I first met George, it was evident that he was a people person with a strong desire to work in a café where he could interact with co-workers and customers. George has an infectious sense of happiness and a constant smile on his face. My role involved identifying a suitable employer, promoting George’s skills and abilities and securing employment for him”, said Sandra.
Working together, Sandra and George undertook the process of discussing George’s interests, challenges, hobbies, and ways of working to determine what style of job may work best for him.
“Sandra took time with me. She helped me through each step of the process, even helping me make that first step to reach out to the café when I didn’t have the confidence to do this on my own. With her help, I now get to work at my favourite café and serve the coffee that I really like too. This means I also get to have a bit of a chat with the customers and the regulars know me well”, said George.
Employment at his local café in Albany, has helped improve George’s self-confidence and his overall independence. George’s ability to show up to work every day with a positive attitude and a smile on this face is a testament to why it’s important to support people to find a job that is right for them.
“At atWork Australia, we recognise the benefits that investing in personal growth and development can have, not only to the individual but the greater community. George has always been optimistic, positive, and energetic. Seeing him gain employment at his favourite café and then progress into a barista has been a pleasure”, said Sandra.
