Kick Start graduates start new career journey

Eight young people are now on the road to a fulfilling career after graduating from the PAYCE Foundation-social enterprise Kick Start.

They join a total of 68 young people who have graduated from the program which includes a fleet of mobile food trailers on construction sites across Sydney.

During their employment with Kick Start, trainees participate in a six-month program that includes practical on-the-job training, formal qualifications in hospitality and one-on-one support to help build life skills for the future.

Kick Start manager Paul Borghetti said the program had proved to be highly successful.

Eighty-seven per cent of graduates go on to full-time employment and 85% report improved mental health.

“This year’s group have worked extremely hard to graduate and we are confident they will continue on their journey to a great career,” Paul said.

PAYCE established Kick Start in 2014 as part of a social housing renewal project undertaken in partnership with the NSW Government at Riverwood in Sydney’s south-west.

Since then, it has serviced nine worksites, sold 108,214 coffees and more than 69,000 burgers.

It has also supported numerous charities, including Women’s Community Shelters and the Sydney Street Feast.

The site sponsors have included Charter Hall, Frasers Property and Winten Property Group.

PAYCE Foundation director Dominic Sullivan said: “It is pleasing to see another dedicated group of graduates making their way to long-term employment and a career.”

“The Kick Start team have shown great dedication in assisting young people make their way in the workforce and operate a social enterprise which has achieved outstanding results.”