
Get a Hotstart to your hospitality career


PROUDLY
PRESENTS
An opportunity for RAW POTENTIAL participants to gain SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality at zero cost.
HotStart – Hospitality Job-Ready Program
The HotStart Hospitality Job-Ready Program is a short, intensive training program designed to help participants gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to move straight into employment within Canberra’s hospitality industry.
Delivered in partnership with RAW Potential, Access Recognised Training, Canberra Southern Cross Club and The Dickson Tradies. HotStart provides a supported, practical pathway into work for people who are ready to take the next step.
Course Overview
What You'll Learn
HotStart combines essential hospitality training with hands-on practical experience in a real venue.
Participants develop skills in:
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Food safety, hygiene and Work Health and Safety;
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Responsible Service of Alcohol (ACT RSA) and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG);
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Customer service, communication and teamwork;
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Bar service, beer pouring, cocktails and mocktails; and
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Restaurant service, table setting, plate carrying and clearing.
Structured Work Placement
HotStart is a five-week, full-time employment-focused program that combines nationally recognised training, hands-on practical experience and structured work placement.
Participants complete the nationally recognised SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality, gaining foundational skills for entry-level roles across clubs, pubs, cafes, hotels and restaurants throughout the ACT.
Training is delivered through ACT Government Skilled Capital funding, making it an affordable and accessible pathway into hospitality employment.
Course Delivery
HotStart is delivered through a combination of supported classroom learning and hands-on practical training.
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Theory training is delivered at RAW Potential (Woden Community Services) in a structured and supportive learning environment;
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Practical training is delivered at the Canberra Southern Cross Club, using real hospitality equipment and facilities; and
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Two weeks of Structured Work Placement.
Participants must complete a two-week structured work placement with a supporting hospitality employer.
The work placement provides:
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Real workplace experience in a live hospitality environment;
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Exposure to employer expectations and workplace routines;
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The opportunity to apply skills learned during training; and
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A direct pathway to potential employment.
Placements are co-ordinated by ACCESS and hosted by the Canberra Southern Cross Club and other supporting hospitality employers across the ACT. Participants who demonstrate strong motivation and aptitude may be considered for ongoing employment opportunities.
Admission Requirements
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To undertake the RAW Potential Hotstart Hospitality Program pathway you must be a bonafide participant in the RAW Potential program in Canberra, ACT;
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Full availability over the 5-week program;
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Basic English language, literacy and numeracy skills (ACSF – Level 2);
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At least 16 years of age.
Program Dates
Training Period (3 weeks):
Week 1: 4th -7th August 2026
Week 2: 11th-14th August 2026
Week 3: 18th-21st August 2026
Work Placement (2 weeks):
Week 4: 25th-28th August 2026
Week 5: 1st-4th September 2026
(Work placement dates may be adjusted subject to host employer operational capacity and participant availability).

Units of Competency - SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality
The Hotstart Hospitality Program is proudly brought to you by:






























