Cafe One Trainee

• Fixed Term Traineeship Contract to 30 April 2026
• Part Time 30.4Hrs – 4 days per week with some additional hours
• Location: Townsville QLD 4812
• Salary is dependent on last year of school attendance and years out of school

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all. Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your Opportunity

Café One is a vibrant social enterprise providing hands-on vocational training in the hospitality sector for young people aged 16–25. Based in Townsville, this initiative offers trainees the chance to gain real-world hospitality experience by working alongside experienced staff on the Café One van, a mobile café serving the local community at various events and locations. This is an on-site position where participants will complete a Certificate I in Hospitality, receive barista training, and develop essential skills in food preparation, customer service, and workplace safety.

The Café One team is proud to deliver quality coffee, great food, and a strong sense of community connection at local events and markets - celebrating milestones like record trading days and growing local recognition.

Trainees must be available to work weekends and may be required to work additional hours for events.

People with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply for this rare opportunity

Your Key Responsibilities

• Participate in training sessions, including both theory and practical components of the Certificate I in Hospitality.
• Take customer orders and serve food and beverages with a friendly, professional approach.
• Prepare and serve coffees and espresso-based drinks, along with simple meals such as toasties and light snacks.
• Operate the cash register, handle transactions accurately, and process both cash and EFT payments.
• Set up and pack down the Café One van, ensuring equipment and supplies are well maintained.
• Follow food safety standards and Mission Australia’s Workplace Health and Safety practices.
• Participate in program activities, including events, stocktakes, and promotional initiatives.

Requirements for Success

• No formal qualifications are required.
• A willingness to enrol in and actively work towards completing a Certificate I in Hospitality qualification.
• A positive attitude and eagerness to learn new skills in hospitality and customer service.
• Clear and effective communication skills with both customers and colleagues.
• The ability to follow instructions, manage time effectively, and complete assigned tasks.
• An understanding of safe food handling practices and a commitment to maintaining hygiene standards.
• Reliability, enthusiasm, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions and own transport preferred.

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Your Benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
• Volunteering opportunities
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

Our Culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

How To Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, click ‘apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications for this role are shortlisted as received and we are interviewing through the advertising period.Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you.