Doppio Zero has launched an initiative to change the future of 67 people by training them and offering them jobs.
Currently Doppio has a national community project they are working on to provide skills to young restaurateurs.
It is based on Mandela Day, only making EVERYDAY Mandela Day, by providing training and job opportunities to 67 people, dubbing the project #67jobs.
“There are so many people who don’t have the skills for even entry-level jobs and they’re just being brushed aside. But when you come right down to it, it’s really not a big deal for a corporate to give someone a core skill.”
Doppio is challenging corporate South Africa to start upskilling those that may never have a chance to become providers for themselves and their families.
‘The corporate world largely tends to focus on what employees can do for the company, how employees can work together to create bigger brands and increase profits. But I think it’s equally important for brands to work together to create opportunities for people.’ says Ivan Walsh, Doppio Zero Operations Director.
Doppio has partnered with various NGOs and has accepted a number of candidates who are being trained in a variety of entry-level disciplines and gaining Doppio Zero’s high standard of skills.
The students currently enrolled have had great experiences in the project so far.
Nonhlanhla Sibiya has almost completed her training, working hard she will receive a permanent contract with the restaurant at the end of her training, which is an opportunity that all participants in the programme will receive.
Wander always wanted to be a chef and thanks to Doppio he got the opportunity in 2003 to become a prep chef and now manages the kitchen at the Greenside branch.
‘My whole life has changed,’ says Wander.
‘All we did was open a door,’ says Walsh. ‘Wander did all the rest. He is the one who took that opportunity and turned his life around. And when we see such wonderful, sustainable change, it’s impossible to resist the idea of doing the same thing for others.’
The project is looking for 67 new candidates.
“These are our success stories… so now take up the challenge SA, get involved by contacting Tarryn Nash on tarryn@doppio.co.za – whether you have candidates to offer, a company who would like to take up the challenge or a success story to share.”