SLES Program · Hospitality
Café Simulation Lab
Participants don't just learn about work — they experience it in a real-world environment.
Program overview
Café Simulation Lab is a structured, hands-on program designed to simulate a café and customer service environment in a supportive setting. Participants engage in practical activities such as preparing drinks, assembling simple café-style food items, serving customers, maintaining clean workspaces, and participating in team-based tasks.
The program focuses on building confidence, communication, workplace behaviour, and hospitality-related skills through structured participation and real-world simulation activities.
Why it helps
A realistic introduction to the workplace through a structured, supportive café environment. Participants gain practical experience by performing real tasks, building the confidence and skills required for future employment or further training.
What participants gain
- Confidence in a café-style environment
- Communication and customer interaction skills
- Following workplace routines and instructions
- Teamwork and responsibility
- Independence in completing structured tasks
- Awareness of food handling and hygiene practices
What you'll cover
Customer service
- Greeting customers
- Taking simple drink and food requests
- Communicating clearly and appropriately
Café food preparation
- Preparing wraps, toasties, and simple snacks
- Microwave and air fryer food preparation
- Food presentation and serving
Coffee & beverage preparation
- Introduction to coffee machines
- Preparing basic hot and cold beverages
- Safe use of café equipment
Workplace roles
- Café assistant
- Customer service support
- Food preparation support
Teamwork & coordination
- Working in small teams
- Rotating roles
- Supporting peers
Workplace routine
- Start and finish times
- Task allocation
How it runs
Length
10-week term-based program. Participants can continue into other programs over time.
Each week
2 sessions per week, 5 hours per session, in a supportive small group.
A typical session
Structured learning and practical activities, with facilitated breaks built in.
Breaks
A 45-minute lunch break and two 15-minute tea/coffee breaks — all supervised and facilitated to support social interaction and peer engagement.
Programs are delivered as non-accredited employment and skills development programs.
About
School Leaver Employment Support (SLES)
Structured pathways supporting independence, confidence, and workplace readiness.
About the program
The School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) Program is designed to support NDIS participants and school leavers in developing practical life, community, and employment skills through structured, hands-on learning experiences.
Programs focus on building confidence, communication, independence, teamwork, workplace participation, and community engagement in supportive real-world and simulated environments.
Program structure
Participants enrol into structured 10-week term-based programs and may continue progressing through multiple programs over time based on their goals, interests, and support needs.
Programs are delivered in supportive small-group environments with practical learning activities, workplace simulations, community participation, and routine-based skill development.
Participant outcomes
Participants may develop:
- Workplace confidence and communication skills
- Teamwork and social interaction skills
- Independence and daily living skills
- Community participation and travel confidence
- Workplace readiness and employability skills
- Confidence participating in structured learning environments