Studying hospitality felt scary for Sally, until it didn’t

“I used to think I couldn’t do it,” Sally said.

“The thought of walking into a new job or new classroom made me nervous. I’d worry I wouldn’t keep up or that I’d make mistakes.”

But at TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus, Sally found something she didn’t expect - a learning environment designed with a real-world on-site restaurant and cafe to train in.

Unlike many other training organisations where students must complete their practical placement off-site, the Robina campus offers students hands-on experience in its very own Greenfields Bar + Restaurant and Seedpod Café. For Sally, that setup changed everything.

“It made a big difference doing my practical training in a place I already knew,” she said.

“It felt safe, familiar, and consistent. I didn’t have to stress about going somewhere new, I could focus on learning.”

Sally enrolled into the Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622) and soon discovered that learning in a real restaurant was both exciting and challenging.

“When the class moved too quickly or I had to learn a new role in the restaurant, my anxiety kicked in,” she said.

“But because Greenfields and Seedpod were part of my daily routine, I felt safe enough to speak up and ask for extra time. That really helped me build my confidence.”

Her support worker Amber Curtis said this on-site setup was key to Sally’s success.

“Having the restaurant and café right on campus meant Sally could learn without the added stress of adapting to a new workplace,” Amber said.

“That stability gave her room to grow. People sometimes underestimate what students with disabilities can achieve, but Sally proved that, with the right support and adjustments, they can do anything.”

Through hands-on shifts at Greenfields and Seedpod, Sally learnt to take orders, handle payments and deliver customer service with a smile. Slowly, the nervousness that once held her back was replaced with pride.

“Getting positive feedback from patience customers, made me feel so proud,” Sally said.

Her teachers and classmates also played a big part in her journey.

“My teachers made me feel included and supported. They understood me and if I needed a bit more time, they gave it,” she said. 

“My classmates were also really kind - we worked as a team.”

Now as a proud graduate, Sally is ready to take the next step and gain paid work in a café or restaurant that’s fun, inclusive and friendly.

“It feels good! I’m proud of myself for finishing something I thought I couldn’t do,” she said.

She hopes her story encourages others who face their own challenges to take that first step too.

“Do it. It’s worth it,” Sally said.

“It might feel scary at first, but once you start, it gets easier. You’ll meet people who believe in you and that changes everything.”