Employment and Independence Program
The Hotel Etico Employment and Independence Program is a pathway for young adults with disability and additional support needs. It is a pathway to greater independence, paid work, skills development and employment opportunities for young adults aged 18 to 35. The program operates at two locations, one in Leura, NSW and the other in Canberra, ACT.
Application Process
We review applications to assess how we can best support successful applicants and understand their employment and independence goals.
The full application process includes an interview, tour of your preferred location, trial sleepover and work taster. If offered a position, applicants complete onboarding paperwork and are given a date to join us on site.
Eligibility Criteria
This program is for young adults:
- aged 18 to 35.
- living with a disability and additional support needs.
- who want to become independent and are excited to take on the challenge.
Many of the young people currently or previously in our training program have intellectual disability or are neurodiverse. We have supported trainees with a range of disabilities including autism, ADHD, anxiety and Down Syndrome.
Year One
During the first year, trainees stay and work at a choice of two locations within working hotels. One is located in Leura in the Blue Mountains, NSW, and the other in Canberra, ACT.
The program has a rolling intake, allowing families to begin the application process throughout the year rather than waiting for an annual start date.
The trainees attend the program on a rotating weekly roster. They work for a minimum of 8 hours per week, usually split into two four-hour shifts over two days. Individual shifts are never longer than 8 hours, as hospitality work is often quite physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing and working in a real, operating hotel. The program includes both learning on-the-job as well as structured training sessions covering hospitality and paid work skills.
Our trainees participate in the day-to-day operation of various departments of a hotel. These departments include: food and beverage (restaurant duties), housekeeping, back of house, (kitchen duties and reception (concierge duties).
Examples of Duties completed in the program:
Food and Beverage
- Taking Guests’ food orders
- Waitering
- Serving drinks behind the bar
- Cleaning and clearing the restaurant
Housekeeping
- Replacing Linens/ Room Cleaning
- Replacing amenities
- Guest bathroom cleaning
Reception/Concierge
- Check In and Check Out
- Answering guest questions
- Taking reservations
- Answering incoming calls.
Back of House (kitchen duties)
- Supervised Cooking
- Dishwashing
- Plating food
- Cleaning the Kitchen
Each of our trainees receives a unique experience based on their support needs and training location. The duties listed above are examples rather than a complete list of the work experiences gained at our academies.
Choosing a Focus
For the first three months of the program, trainees have the opportunity to work in all departments of a hotel. After the first three months, trainees consult with our staff to select a focus based on their strengths and preferences. A key aspect of this process is determining which roles we are best able to support trainees to perform. Most of the roles involve repetitive tasks, lifting heavy objects, carrying trays and fine motor control.
Workshops
Workshops are regularly held at each site to help trainees navigate aspects of work outside of completing their duties. These can include topics such as: professionalism and presentation, reading a pay slip, understanding an employment contract and how to determine if they are being paid correctly. This training allows our trainees to transition successfully to open employment. The topics presented are dependent on each group of trainees, their interests and their independence goals.
Independent Living
Our complimentary independent living program focuses on functional daily living skills including meal preparation, self-management, communication and the responsibilities of shared living. Trainees are responsible for preparing to leave campus and cleaning their room at the end of each shift rotation. At each site, support workers encourage and assist trainees to organise common chores including cooking, cleaning and laundry. None of these tasks are performed for trainees, but support is always present to facilitate them being performed.
All training and support is delivered using a person-centered and strengths-based approach focusing on individual goals provided by the trainee and their parents or carers during the application process. Our training is autism and ADHD friendly, with each trainee also receiving one-on-one time for two hours a week with a support worker to work on their individual independence goals.
Shared living within the dedicated onsite accommodation creates the opportunity for social connections and relationship building. The trainees often spend their free time on site together, sharing meals, shopping and they organise movie nights and dinners. Support workers are present to encourage the trainees to participate and help them plan meals and activities as a group. Social activities and down time are important for our trainees, as their work will be physically demanding.
Accommodation
At the heart of our program is supported independent living, trainees stay on campus in an ensuite room during their rostered days. Where possible, trainees have their own room with private bathroom facilities and shared spaces including a kitchen, dining room and lounge. However, trainees may also share a bedroom and bathroom with another young person. Our trainees commute to and from campus either by car or public transport.
Completing Year 1
The first stage of the program does not always last for one year as trainees often find employment with one of our inclusive employment partners and are ready to start work early. Trainees have regular contact with our employer partners, often receiving offers of work, and may also apply for jobs during the first year. Other trainees continue learning and developing their skills for more than a year subject to additional funding and the availability of places, either through the NDIS or self funded.
Year Two:
Our Industry Employment program commences after a trainee has completed their first year. Of the 60 trainees who have completed or participated in the program so far, 82% have transitioned to industry employment. Trainees are often employed by one of our 27 employment partners.
Click here to see a full list of our employment partners.
We provide a clear pathway to open employment for trainees, including support in finding work, transitioning to work and support for employers. Our team uses a trainee’s goals for independence and work to plan the support to be provided during the second year. We help trainees prepare for job interviews, consult with employers to provide assistive technologies and advise on workplace modifications. We regularly check in with trainees during their second year, encouraging them to remain connected to Hotel Etico.
Graduates who are not working in the hospitality or tourism industry immediately after finishing training on site at one of our academies continue to receive support from Hotel Etico. Some trainees continue in the first stage of the program, honing their hospitality and independence skills.
Trainees who do not obtain jobs immediately post graduation and do not continue training at our academies continue to receive support to find work. Graduates who are not yet working in industry are invited back to work at Hotel Etico for specific events, to speak at our Information Sessions and at disability events and exhibitions.
FAQ
Do you have more questions? Browse through our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch here to talk to our team.