Hell and IHC launch work training initiative

Hell and IHC launch work training initiative

Hell Pizza has teamed up with IHC to launch ‘Active in Hell’ - a nationwide, paid work experience programme for young people with an intellectual disability.

Following last year’s successful Wellington pilot, Hell has committed to paying 64 trainees per year to complete six weeks of specialised training.

“Last year’s group needed a lot of support at the beginning, but quickly improved and around 50 percent went on to find work in the industry,” says Hell general manager Ben Cumming.

Active in Hell’s goal is to teach the trainees valuable and employable skills in the hospitality and food industry.

“After our fantastic pilot last year, we’re delighted to be expanding this project to 26 stores around the country,” says Ben.

“Active in Hell is about giving these young people a chance in a commercial kitchen and exposing them to skills relevant for hospitality roles.

“Taking the programme nationwide is a big undertaking, but our franchisees are really keen on the initiative and the feedback from last year’s pilot was that they learnt just as much as the trainees.”

Comprising two two-hour sessions per week, the paid training is tailored to the learning levels of each participant and covers everything from mandatory health and safety education to preparing food for sale.

”Like any other school leaver, those with an intellectual disability need some support to transition from school to the workforce,” says IHC Director of Advocacy Trish Grant.

“This is an excellent programme, providing a great grounding for people to get ready to work in the food industry.

“I’m really pleased that the pilot was so successful that it led to both employment and an extension of the scheme – I hope it will encourage other organisations to consider offering positions to hardworking individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

Last year, Hell created an Active in Hell web series, following the trainees and their journey at Hell. To view the seven-part series, please visit www.satanslittlehelper.co.nz

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