SOCIAL SKILLS
Hobart-based hospitality outfit Hamlet is truly enterprising in what they do: along with delivering an A-grade café experience, Hamlet tackles two of Hobart’s biggest social issues. “There’s been a skills shortage in Tasmania for the tourism and hospitality industry going on for 10 or more years,” says founder and CEO Emily Briffa. “We’re constantly looking for ways to provide training to people who face significant barriers to employment.” Those include people who are long-term unemployed; people with low levels of literacy or language, who might come from migrant or refugee backgrounds; and those who identify as living with a disability. “By training people in front of house, customer service, kitchen skills, Hamlet helps to improve their chances of finding work by building these industry-specific skills,” says Briffa. And while the training is in hospitality – like any one that’s worked in the industry can attest – the skills can be applied to all facets of life.”
While the social impact element is important, the kitchen ensures it maintains a high standard when it comes to putting out excellent food. “We’ve got some incredible chefs that work here like Cameron Perry who’s a former fine-dining chef who worked at Garagistes and in London,” says Briffa. He’s joined by Peter Cooksley who was the head chef at Embla before working at the now shuttered Franklin in Hobart.
And like any other top kitchen in Tassie, there’s a strong emphasis on Tasmanian produce and building good relationships with farmers.
This year marks the outfit's seventh year and promises to be one of growth. “In 2023 we’re going to expand – we’ve secured some additional space in the building where we can launch our commercial kitchen.” Currently the program is so in-demand, there’s a six- to 12-month waiting list. This expansion will mean even more people can come through the program. “One of the things that is quite beautiful about providing training in the hospitality industry is that it forces people to engage,” says Briffa. “Hospitality by definition creates that warmth and engagement. It builds confidence, which is amazing to see.” hamlet.com.au