Two Geelong businesses are walking the talk, providing meaningful employment pathways for workers with disability in their commercial kitchen, creating social impact in the local community.

Thanks to an innovative supported work experience partnership model between genU and Pholklore, two genU participants and a supported employee have moved into open employment with Pholklore, a renowned Geelong restaurant, which is leasing genU’s commercial kitchen in North Geelong. 

genU Director Employment Services Jaime-Lee Demmer said two genU participants were now working in open employment in the Pholklore kitchen, while a former supported employee is working in a hybrid model, across two roles at Pholklore and the Viva Café in Corio. 

Jaime-lee said the supported experience model was key to successfully transitioning the supported employee and two participants, formerly engaged in school leaver employment supports, into a new workplace environment, without the pressure of them needing to commit to being employed. 

“Through this model which Pholklore has embraced, our supported employee and participants have the chance to demonstrate their skills, abilities and their commitment to working in a challenging, high-paced kitchen environment,” she said.

“This also allows Pholklore to see whether the employees are a good fit in the workforce and can manage the tasks they need to carry out on a daily basis.” 

Jaime-lee said former supported employee Scott was really enjoying the opportunity to work in a hybrid model, in two roles at Viva and Pholklore which are going well, with genU continuing to provide him with Post Participant Support in both working environments.

Scott said the work experience trial at Pholklore had been positive, and he feels supported in the Pholklore workplace and likes the variety of tasks he’s been given. 

“Everyone helps me, no matter what the situation is, they are very friendly and really helpful, and I can rely on all of them,” he said.  

Pholklore owner Dominic Friend said being situated at genU’s Douro Street premises had been pivotal to the hospitality operation’s exciting expansion plans.  

Mr Friend said the potential for employees with disability to work for Pholklore had been one of the many positives identified early in partnership discussions with genU. 

“This initiative was designed to help connect commercial businesses and the disability sector as a way to foster inclusivity and support,” Mr Friend said. 

“We’ve been able to welcome new team members who bring fresh perspectives and unique strengths to the workplace, so it’s been really positive for us. 

“It’s also given us a meaningful way to support a more inclusive and socially responsible work culture which is something we care deeply about.”

Mr Friend said the partnership with genU was tracking in line with expectations.

“We’re able to provide real-world experience and skills development, and in return, we’re gaining team members who are genuinely motivated and keen to grow,” he said. 

“Seeing genU participants and supported employees transition into open employment has been a real highlight. It’s exactly the kind of outcome we were aiming for.”

And the impact has been profound across the board, with the new employees spreading positivity throughout the whole Pholklore team, according to Mr Friend.

“Their attitude has been a real standout,” he said. “They come in each day with energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn – it’s been great to see.” 

genU CEO Clare Amies said genU was committed to creating the best environments for supported employees to grow their skills and identify careers if their goal is to move into mainstream employment.

“Pholklore sharing our physical space at our Douro Street premises has broken down barriers and helped people with disability show how much of an asset they can be in the workplace,” Clare said. 

“We are proud to see our supported employees taking every opportunity to follow their career dreams. 

“genU is committed to lifting the participation rate of people with disability in the mainstream workforce and businesses should be looking to people with disability as a solution for their workforce needs.”

Feature image: Pholklore chef Michael with Pholklore colleague, Scott. 

Image carousel: Scott at work vacuum sealing fresh handmade spring rolls.