An award-winning work-readiness hospitality & customer service program for people aged 18-30 who are neurodivergent and/or have mental health challenges.
About the program
This practical course supports students to make a successful transition to sustainable employment or further studies. Throughout the 12-week course learners build confidence and vocational skills in barista training, customer service and back-of-house hospitality as well as employability and interpersonal skills that benefit any public-facing roles. This is a Jobactive-approved activity.
Next intake: September 2026
Times: 10am-1.30pm
Days: Monday (in class). Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday &/or Friday placement days
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Preston
Fees: $180
For all enquiries contact Amelia Barr, Community Development Coordinator: amelia@bridgedarebin.org.au
What are the program features?
- Ongoing support: A mentor is present during work placement in our social enterprise café, Moon Rabbit.
- Location: Most classes and work placements are provided on site at Bridge Darebin: Preston, 218 High St, which is easily accessible by train, tram and bus. Some placements might be with local not-for-profit organsations.
- Hands-on training: Practical work-placement opportunities are available at Moon Rabbit café. Barista training is provided, and students learn skills that are transferable to any industry, such as customer service and teamwork.
Who is this course for?
B2W is for people aged 18-30 who are neurodivergent and/or have mental health challenges.
How does the course work?
B2W builds work-readiness skills through classroom activities, group work and hands-on learning. In the classroom students work together, and individually, with the trainer and mentor, to recognise their own potential employment barriers and develop strategies to manage them. The B2W team meets with each student at key stages in each transition, reviewing and working with the student and their trainer/employer to assist in practical ways to overcome these barriers. Additionally, there is ongoing support throughout the program as needed.
Practical workplace training is provided at Bridge Darebin’s social enterprise café, Moon Rabbit. Students will be assisted through a final stage of transition to employment or further education, with job-hunting support provided.
If you’d like to find out more about our current program click the button below, complete the application form and we will be in touch.
Read about Jack’s learning journey with B2W here.
FAQs
- How do I enrol?
You can enroll online (visit your course webpage for the enrolment link), over the phone, or complete an enrolment form at our Preston office. We require payment and completed enrolment details to secure your place in a course. Current students and those who have submitted an expression of interest regarding a course will be notified of enrolment open dates for those courses. Enrolments are open to current students and the public and will be processed on a first-come, first served basis.
- How do I know if the course will be right for me?
Enrolling students are required to participate in a brief informal assessment to determine language and literacy levels in line with national standards to ensure they are enrolling in a course that best meets their needs. This may be conducted via phone, internet or in person. Where applicable, students will be supported to complete an alternative course in preparation for study of the original intended course. Eg. English course to improve English skills prior to commencing a Beginner Computer course. This may only apply to newly enrolling students.
- How does course payment work?
All fees are paid per course, in full, prior to course commencement. In situations of financial hardship, students can apply to edadmin@bridgedarebin.org.au. Subsidized course fees are available for students who are eligible for government-funded programs, referred to as ACFE (Adult Community and Further Education) programs. To be eligible for ACFE funding you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an asylum seeker in specified visa categories, referred by a Jobs Victoria Employment Network provider.
Concession price is available for pension, healthcare and Veteran’s Gold card holders. A senior’s card is accepted for non-ACFE funded programs. If enrolling online, your concession/pension/seniors’ card must be presented at our office prior to commencement. We offer additional discounts and free places for certain courses to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Refunds will not be given for missed classes or courses. Course commencement is subject to sufficient enrolments – minimum and maximum class sizes apply to all courses.
- What happens if we cancel a course?
In the event of a course cancellation due to low numbers, all fees will be refunded in full by direct payment to your nominated bank account. If an individual class needs to be cancelled at short notice, we will endeavor to schedule a make-up class, subject to trainer availability.
- Can I withdraw from a course?
Notice of withdrawal from a course must be given 48 hours prior to course commencement. A 3% administration fee will be incurred for any refunds. Refunds may not be approved after the commencement of the course.
- What are the course dates?
Enrolments into some courses can be made after the start date. Course commencement is subject to sufficient enrolments – minimum and maximum class sizes apply to all courses. In the event minimum enrolments have not been met, the course start date may be delayed. Students will be notified of any changes to start and end dates. We are closed on public holidays. Some courses may operate during school holidays; your tutor will advise if this is the case.
- How do I pay?
Students can pay for courses online at time of enrolment, or through our offices during opening hours. Credit card and EFTPOS are our preferred payment methods at this time, and we accept payments by bank transfer and cash. We also accept weekly direct debits (external transaction fees apply). Direct deposit details: Bank: Bendigo Bank Account name: Preston Neighbourhood House BSB: 633-000 Account number: 1285 76022 Reference area: Your surname, course name and time
- Are there course materials and do they need to be paid for?
We will advise students prior to course commencement if there are course material fees to be paid. This is a separate payment, in addition to the course fee, unless otherwise stated (materials are included in all Arts Hub courses).