Supporting women to build skills, confidence and new futures

Three years ago, Raa was referred to Be Hers after leaving a local shelter.

Today, she's talking excitedly about the possibility of working in a café.

"The barista course was a lot of fun. Doing a job that makes people happy - giving them something they want, bringing a smile to their face with a hot coffee - that’s something I’d like to do”, she says.

For Raa, this possibility began with a course designed to build practical hospitality skills and confidence. She is one of a group of women participating in programs delivered through a partnership between TasTAFE and Be Hers, a Hobart-based organisation supporting women experiencing vulnerability, including homelessness, unemployment, domestic violence, social isolation and migration.

For women participating in Be Hers programs, education can be an important next step, and that's where TasTAFE comes in.

Working alongside Be Hers, TasTAFE teachers have designed and delivered tailored training programs that combine accredited units with practical, job-ready skills. Last year, programs focused on Sewing and Textiles, and Hair and Beauty. This year, participants are building skills through the Dream Again Café and Food Preparation Skills Program and the Dream Again Retail and Visual Merchandising Program.

The courses are designed around participants' needs, removing barriers that might otherwise prevent people from taking part. Theory assessments are completed on campus, reducing reliance on technology, while tools, equipment and learning resources are provided throughout the course.

For TasTAFE Cookery teacher Veronica Whitney, one of the most rewarding aspects was watching participants' confidence grow.

"From a teaching perspective, this was a very rewarding course. The ladies arrived each week with big smiles and a positive attitude. Each was open to learning new skills, and they were committed from the start.

What stood out to me as a teacher was the gratitude and respect demonstrated throughout the course."

One session that left a lasting impression focused on food, culture and community. Participants shared recipes from their cultural backgrounds, before preparing and presenting the dishes at TasTAFE's Collins Street campus.

"It was wonderful to see how proud the women were of their dishes, but even more than that, how happy they were to share their food with everyone," Veronica says.

The learning doesn't stop in the classroom.

Participants in the Retail and Visual Merchandising Program recently put their skills into practice during a pop-up retail event at the Be Hers Hub in Hobart. They created visual displays, marketed products they had developed during the program and sold directly to customers.

Be Hers General Manager Ally Levinson says the experience helps participants build confidence while connecting with the wider community.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to have the ladies apply their skills in a real retail environment, build confidence and connect with the community," Ally says.

The event generated more than $1,000 in sales, but Ally says the most important outcome was the growth she witnessed throughout the program.

"Seeing everyone's progression is so rewarding. Watching the ladies start a little shy and then grow to the point where they're leading a session themselves has been wonderful."

Through the partnership, women are building practical skills, growing their confidence and taking steps towards education and employment.