If you’ve visited STEPS Café on George recently, there’s no doubt you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Ian, our newest Hospitality Support Trainer.
When Ian saw the job listing for his role, he said he couldn’t believe how well it suited his career and passions.
“I’ve always been interested in education, and I think the sharing of knowledge and ideas is one of the most important things we can do as a society,” Ian said.
Before STEPS
Before joining STEPS, he led a kitchen with a crew of supported employees. Day-to-day work would be ordering ingredients and organising for the week ahead. Prior to that, he had a hospitality role that he can only describe as “truly dynamic.”
“No two days were ever the same. Some weeks we would have a baby shower, a wake, a birthday party, and a wedding all on the same day.”
Ian’s longest standing role was as a Chocolatier, where he created high quality artisanal chocolates.
Joining the STEPS team
Joining the STEPS team was exciting for Ian, but he said he also had big expectations for himself.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a well organised and talented group of people working towards a common goal with such a sense of comradery and good will,” he said.
Ian said he hopes to make big positive impacts on our students and continue STEPS’ legacy of acceptance, compassion and support.
“I love to see the growth in those around me, all the way down to the tiny success stories that might seem trivial to other,” Ian said.
“I find it so rewarding to see people change their perceptions of themselves and become more confident in their own abilities.”
Any advice?
We asked Ian what advice he would give to someone who is interested in a career in hospitality and food, and his perspective is clear: love what you do, and remember you do it because you love it.
“The same goes for anyone interested in a career in training: you have to love learning as much as you love teaching,” he said.
“If you’re stuck in your ways and not willing to learn new things, your students will pick up on that and it erodes their confidence in you as a teacher. If you show you’re willing to learn from your mistakes, it builds your credibility.”
When asked what has been the highlight of his time with STEPS so far, Ian said it’s been getting to know the students and seeing the amazing things they accomplish.
“I feel like I’m contributing to something meaningful,” he said.
“I also love seeing people fight over the last Portuguese tart in the Café. Sorry, not sorry.”
About STEPS Spotlight
STEPS Spotlight is our way of celebrating the incredible people who make up the STEPS team.
Each month, we’ll be sharing the story of a staff member whose passion, dedication, and unique journey help shape the heart of our organisation.
Stay tuned for more stories from across the STEPS community!
