From the Playbook: How ATE is creating inclusive onboarding

Onboarding at All Things Equal is about more than paperwork. It’s about making young people with a disability feel confident, supported, and ready to succeed. From the very first contact, each trainee is guided through a structured process that builds skills and independence.

ATE’s journey begins with an initial phone consultation, giving trainees a safe space to ask questions and learn about the role. This is followed by a one-on-one meeting at the café, where they meet staff and explore the workplace environment. A short trial experience allows them to try tasks firsthand before officially joining. Then, trainees create a personalised profile capturing their skills, learning goals, and support needs.

During the 12-month Pre-Employment Program, trainees build foundational skills in customer service, food preparation, and teamwork. They receive on-the-job coaching, supported by a dedicated upskilling team, and participate in regular check-ins to review progress and address challenges.

Upon completion, trainees step into the Employment Program with award-wage roles in the café and catering business. They are paired with mentors or buddies to guide them through daily tasks and social integration. Personalised resources help trainees navigate the workplace with clarity. These include:

• Visual menus with photos of items, ingredients, and sides.
• Step-by-step photos for complex tasks, like making a kids’ milkshake, showing every action from pouring milk to placing the straw.
• Shift schedules with visual cues, detailing arrival, uniform preparation, clock-in times, and start of work.