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.

Trainees learn about coffee from Market Lane Coffee, the skills needed to be an exceptional, attentive host from Milieu Hospitality, and the team at Cecilia Fox run a workshop covering floristry basics. Many Hands trainees also receive floristry training and employment opportunities, through their sister organisation, The Beautiful Bunch. An introduction to wine is taught by Florence Burns, with participants also completing their Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate from William Angliss Institute. Facilitated by Milla Vainkainen, participants learn how to write a strong resume, interview skills, and an introduction to workplace culture.

There are 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, and a lot of fun!

Many Hands runs twice a year. For information on eligibility or general program enquiries, please contact belinda@merchantrd.com.