My Turf@work

• Skills in Action: Real experience in food preparation, customer service, and kitchen safety.
• Workplace Confidence: Training designed to build the skills needed to work independently and with pride.
• Community Belonging: Join a supportive network where you can connect, learn, and grow alongside peers and mentors.

“I learned how to talk to customers. It wasn’t as scary as I thought.” – My Turf@work Graduate, Age 14

Delivered at the beautiful Cooinda Retreats in Victor Harbor, My Turf@work—it’s an immersive experience.

• Small Group Training: Individualised attention with a 1:2 support ratio in groups of only five participants per intake.
• Real-World Application: Run the Open Eats Food Van, a fully operational mobile kitchen, gaining hands-on experience in food preparation, customer service, and hospitality skills.
• Comprehensive Modules: From Kitchen Safety to Advanced Cooking Techniques, each module is designed to empower participants and prepare them for job success.

“Making coffee was my favourite part. Now I want to work in a café.”
– My Turf@work Graduate, Age 15

The My Turf@work program is delivered through five structured modules designed to equip participants with practical skills, confidence, and workplace readiness. Each module builds on the last, providing a comprehensive and supportive journey into the world of hospitality.

Module 1: Foundations for Success

• Learn the essentials of workplace safety, hygiene, and communication.
• Build a solid foundation for teamwork and personal growth.

“I learned how important safety is in the kitchen and how to work with others.”
– My Turf@work Graduate, Age 14

Module 2: Practical Skills in Action

• Hands-on training in food preparation, teamwork, and customer service.
• Develop confidence by applying skills in a real-world environment.

“I didn’t think I could cook like this, but now I feel ready to work in a real kitchen.”
– My Turf@work Graduate, Age 15

Module 3: Customer Connection

• Gain real-world experience in customer-facing roles.
• Practise problem-solving and communication to build customer service excellence.

“Talking to customers made me nervous at first, but now I like helping people.”
– My Turf@work Graduate, Age 15

Module 4: Job Ready Day

• Showcase your skills at a public event hosted by the Open Eats Food Van.
• Develop a professional resume, practise interview techniques, and take the next step toward employment.

“The job-ready day helped me see what I can do, and now I know what I want to try next.”
– My Turf@work Graduate, Age 16

Module 5: Success Coach Support (Optional)

• Receive one-on-one coaching to transition from the program into employment.
• Tailored career pathways, ongoing mentoring, and support to succeed in your first steps at work.

“Beck helped me understand the structure of a workplace and how to fit in.”
– My Turf@work Graduate, Age 15

We are NDIS-ready! My Turf@work meets NDIS criteria under the following categories:

We help participants maximise their NDIS plans while guiding them toward employment opportunities, starting with the Open Eats Food Van as a first step.

At My Turf@work, you’ll be part of a supportive community that values growth, resilience, and achievement. Connect with peers, mentors, and coaches who are here to guide you every step of the way

“It felt good to serve food and see people happy. I’m proud of myself.”
– My Turf@work Graduate, Age 15

Completing My Turf@work is just the beginning of your journey. The skills, confidence, and workplace readiness developed during the program prepare participants to take their next steps towards meaningful employment.

One of the key pathways after completing My Turf@work is transitioning into supported employment opportunities within the Open Eats Food Van. This operational mobile kitchen provides a real-world, supportive workplace environment where participants can:

• Continue to apply and refine the skills learned during the program.
• Gain further experience in food preparation, customer service, and team collaboration.
• Build a professional work history in a supportive setting designed to foster growth and independence.

Beyond Open Eats, participants will have the tools and confidence to pursue employment in other areas of hospitality or related industries, including:

• Cafés, restaurants, and catering businesses.
• Customer service roles in retail or community-focused environments.
• Volunteer roles to further develop skills and gain experience.

To ensure a smooth transition, participants can opt into Module 5: Success Coach Support for tailored guidance, including:

• Navigating the transition from My Turf@work to Open Eats or other workplaces.
• Building confidence in workplace dynamics and expectations.
• Connecting with broader employment opportunities or additional training if desired.

At My Turf@work, we don’t just prepare participants for employment—we create pathways to meaningful roles in inclusive workplaces, starting with opportunities in Open Eats and extending to the broader community.

Take the next step toward meaningful work in a supportive environment designed just for you. Programs are running through 2025, and we’ll help you navigate NDIS funding to make participation seamless.

For more information on enrolment and funding options, reach out today. Together, let’s unlock new opportunities and open doors to a brighter future in hospitality!

Follow our journey on Facebook: My Turf@work

Call us on 1300 445 910 or email myturf@cooindaretreats.org.au.

Empowering individuals. Transforming workplaces. Inspiring communities. Join My Turf@work to unlock your potential and thrive in hospitality!