RMIT Training receives PIEoneer Award for ‘Real Life Learning’

RMIT Training receives PIEoneer Award for ‘Real Life Learning’

RMIT Training has won the ‘real life learning’ category at the 2018 PIEoneer Awards for its unique barista internship.

The PIEoneer awards were held in London on Friday 7 September to celebrate innovation and achievement in international education. The Awards recognise individuals and organisations who are pushing professional standards, evolving engagement or redefining the international student experience. 

 

In 2017, RMIT Training formed a partnership with non-profit social enterprise, Coffee Cart Changing Lives, which supports youth homelessness in Melbourne by training vulnerable youths to become baristas. This involved the setup of a permanent coffee cart in RMIT Training’s student café which services pathways students and employees studying at RMIT.

Following the establishment of the Cart, RMIT Training recognised the lack of casual employment opportunities for unskilled international students and the need for access to work integrated learning on campus. 

the opportunity to work alongside other disadvantaged youths to develop the skills and confidence they need to find casual employment while they study. 

Zeyad Ahmed, Regional Manager, said he was honoured to accept the award on behalf of RMIT Training and the community of students, educators and support staff who make up the organisation.

Two students working together as baristas

“My colleagues work tirelessly to help our students achieve their study goals and experience the best that studying in Australia and in Melbourne has to offer,” he said.

“This award demonstrates how the experiences provided at RMIT prepare students for life and work.”

The internship launched in November 2017 is targeted at students who, because of their limited English skills and work experience, find themselves disadvantaged in the work search process. As well as hospitality service skills, students who apply for the internship are offered a real-life simulation experience of the steps required to search, apply and secure a job.

Students are provided with an opportunity to practise their English skills and immerse themselves in the Australian culture while supporting and interacting with the broader community.

The internship consists of at least ten hours practice at the café over four weeks, as well as coaching and mentoring, and a letter of recommendation to help secure future employment.

Hunjung Lee, a previous trainee and RMIT Training student has returned to the Cart as a trainer and is now  ‘giving back’ to the program by sharing his barista skills with new interns.

Mr Lee said the program taught him that anyone can affect the lives of others.

“Through the program, I could help others grow and contribute to society,” Mr Lee said.

Sales from the Cart go to Launch Housing, one of Victoria’s largest providers of housing support for homelessness.

Read more about the PIEoneer awards here.

RMIT Training delivers pathway programs that enable students to articulate into Bachelor programs at university; these include Foundation Studies and English language programs.

10 September 2018

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.