Many Hands
Many Hands is a life-changing hospitality program for young women from refugee backgrounds who are experiencing barriers to employment. The training program runs for eight weeks, and partners with the industry’s best to equip participants with the skills they need to find work in Melbourne’s hospitality and events industry.
Coffee Basics
in partnership with Market Lane Coffee
Participants take part in a series of workshops with our friends at Market Lane Coffee. Hosted at Market Lane’s beautiful Collins Street Store, over two nights, trainees learn about coffee - why we drink it, how to make it, and why we love it!
The skills needed to be an exceptional, attentive host are taught by Milieu Hospitality. We begin with classes in foundational service skills, followed by training specifically focused on service for events.
Service Training
in partnership with Milieu Hospitality
Floristry Fundamentals
in partnership with Cecilia Fox
We make a (very!) early morning trip to Melbourne’s flower markets to learn about flower selection and preparation. Following the market visit, the team at Cecilia Fox run a workshop covering floristry basics, from the brief, to the end product. Many Hands trainees also receive floristry training and employment opportunities, through our sister organisation, The Beautiful Bunch.
A considered and approachable introduction to wine - the basic varieties, how it's made, and how it should be served. This workshop is taught by Florence Burns. Participants also complete their Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate from William Angliss Institute.
Wine and Beverage
in partnership with Florence Burns
Ready for Work
in partnership with Milla Vainikainen
Writing a strong resume, interview skills, and an introduction to workplace culture. Facilitated by Milla Vainkainen, participants learn how to find and secure a job, and how to prepare for the changing nature of the workforce. Workshops also focus on building self-confidence, and the journey to finding work you love.
Event Skills
run in-house by Merchant Road
A series of dinners at the conclusion of Many Hands, where program participants get to put their skills to the test. The final week involves event design and setting, wine and food service, some hard work, a lot of fun, and a big few days!
Many Hands runs twice a year. For information on eligibility or general program enquiries, please contact belinda@merchantrd.com