HITsa Newsletter October 2026
Skills that get jobs
HITsa On the Road
The HITsa coffee van has been busy over the past three weeks, travelling across the South East to deliver barista training in Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Millicent and Lucindale.
It has been a fantastic opportunity to take practical training into regional communities and see learners build their skills and confidence on the coffee machine. Each location has brought something a little different, with plenty of hands-on practice, lots of coffees made and great enthusiasm from learners throughout the journey.
After visiting four towns in three weeks, the coffee van has certainly had a busy run across the South East and will soon be returning home to Mount Barker.
It has been a rewarding few weeks, with plenty of coffee made along the way!
Mobile Coffee Training Comes to Waikerie
Our Mobile Coffee Training Van recently made its way to Waikerie, delivering a three-day accredited espresso training course to local participants.
The training provided students with practical, hands-on experience and the skills needed to confidently work in a professional café environment. It was fantastic to see the training lead to an immediate employment opportunity, with one of the students securing a position as a barista at the Waikerie Hotel, where the training was being held.
This is a great example of how accessible, industry-focused training can create real employment pathways within regional communities. We’re proud to bring quality coffee training directly to local areas and support students as they take the next step in their hospitality careers.
HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance is coming to the Virtual Classroom!
Beginning 21st of October, HITsa will be offering HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance. It will be delivered as both face to face training and on the virtual classroom. Students who live remotely or those that have trouble accessing a HITsa site will be able complete their training virtually and will only have to attend a HITsa site for practical requirements.
Completing the HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance is a great way to start a rewarding career in healthcare. You'll gain the practical skills and knowledge to support allied healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, podiatrists and exercise physiologists.
Students will need a laptop or desktop and reliable internet with email access to be able to utilise the virtual classroom. Classes will be held every Wednesday, 9.30am – 4pm. While attending face to face training is optimal, virtual is the next best thing as it offers students a classroom setting where they can interact with the trainer and the classroom students.
If you would like more information or would like to enrol in Certificate III Allied Health Assistance, please us these links:
Course application: Course Application HLT33021 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance.
For more information: Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Great Training at Mount Barker
We’ve had some great training happening at our Mount Barker site recently!
A few of our employees completed First Aid training with Sofala, refreshing their knowledge and building confidence in responding to a range of first aid situations. The practical activities made it a great hands-on learning experience.
We also welcomed Carlo to Mount Barker for the first time this year to deliver SITHFAB025 Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee. Carlo was super engaging, and the students really enjoyed the session, getting hands-on and building their barista skills.
A big thank you to Carlo and Sofala for delivering such great training!
Exciting Start to Our CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Kalaya Children’s Centre
We’re excited to announce the commencement of our CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care program at Kalaya Children’s Centre in Queenstown!
Starting this past Tuesday, the program provides an incredible opportunity for participants to launch their careers in the rewarding field of early childhood education.
This nationally recognised qualification equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality care and education to children in a variety of settings. Throughout the program, participants will gain hands-on experience and learn about:
• Supporting children’s learning and development.
• Ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of children.
• Building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Understanding and applying the National Quality Framework (NQF) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
As part of the program, students will complete 160 hours of work placement at Kalyla Children’s Centre, providing them with invaluable real-world experience in a supportive environment. This hands-on training, combined with guidance from the HITsa Team and support from Tauondi Aboriginal College, ensures that participants are well-prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and practical expertise.
We’re proud to support the next generation of early childhood educators and look forward to seeing our students grow and thrive in this vital field.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education or know someone who might be, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information about our CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care program, please contact us at info@hitsa.com.au or visit our website at https://www.hitsa.com.au/qualifications
Cook Move Grow Returns to Adelaide’s North
An idea developed through a local partnership is back for another year, with Cook Move Grow now underway across Adelaide north.
Following the success of the 2025 program, and with the support of the City of Playford, the Adelaide Northern Local Jobs Program, APM Elizabeth, MAS National and the Adelaide United Football Club, Cook Move Grow has returned in 2026, commencing on 21 September.
HITsa was excited to be invited to join the partnership this year to deliver the training component of the program. Participants will complete nationally recognised accredited training through the SSDIS01007 Basic Skills for the Food Industry Skill Set, developing practical skills they can take into the workplace. The program included commercial kitchen experience at Playford Civic Centre commercial kitchen, along with opportunities to put their new skills into practice.
More than Just Training
One of the strengths of Cook Move Grow is the range of experiences built into the program.
Through HITsa’s training, participants will learn basic methods of cookery and develop practical skills in a commercial kitchen environment. But the focus extends beyond the technical skills required for the job.
A key part of the program is developing job-ready skills and workplace expectations. Participants are encouraged to understand the importance of being punctual, communicating if they are running late or unable to attend, arriving presentable and prepared, and being ready to participate and learn. These are simple but important behaviours that can make a real difference when starting a new job.
Participants will also have the opportunity to put their new skills into practice by preparing and serving lunch for the Adelaide United Women’s League. Following the lunch service, Adelaide United Football Club will include a fitness session and graduation to celebrate the participants’ achievements and provide an opportunity to meet and learn from employers in the industry.
This year, the program has also expanded its focus on wellbeing through the inclusion of a MAS Allied Health workshop focusing on resilience. The one-day session will provide participants with practical tools to manage stress, regulate emotions and maintain motivation while navigating the challenges that can come with looking for work.
Combining accredited training and practical workplace skills with wellbeing and resilience support, the aim is for participants to feel supported and better equipped to take their next step towards employment.
A Partnership Approach to Employment
The Cook Mov. Grow program demonstrates what can be achieved when local organisations bring their different areas of expertise together around a common goal.
The City of Playford and Adelaide North Local Jobs Program developed the original concept, with partners contributing different elements to create a program that extends beyond the traditional classroom-based training.
This year, HITsa is contributing to its experience in vocational education and training, while Adelaide United provides an opportunity for participants to engage with a major local sporting organisation and its facilities. APM Elizabeth and MAS National also contribute to the broader employment and wellbeing support available through the program.
Cook Move Grow is a great example of local partnerships continuing to evolve to respond to the needs of job seekers, combining practical training, workplace expectations, wellbeing and industry connections to create pathways towards employment.
HIT ME UP for new ways to learn!
HITsa is constantly seeking out new and engaging ways to support learning. Our newest innovation is the HIT ME UP resource, added to support delivery of the following units across several qualifications:
CHCCCS041 Recognise Healthy Body Systems
CHCCOM005 Communicate and Work in Health or Community Services
CHCDIV001 Work with Diverse People
CHCLEG001 Work Legally and Ethically
The resource consists of a 52-card, postcard-sized deck, with four colour-coded sections to clearly distinguish the different topics. Each card contains a visual prompt or photograph along with a short scenario designed to spark discussion, critical thinking, and application of knowledge.
These cards are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, including:
Whole-class activities
Small group discussions
Pair work
Individual reflection activities
Informal formative assessment tasks
The purpose of the resource is to replace the need for classroom activity books, more questions, and more written answers! Using Hit Me Up learners embed theory, apply workplace concepts, and build confidence ahead of their performance assessments. The scenarios align well with the immersive learning experiences we already use in class and provide additional opportunities for students to connect learning to real-world situations.
Each colour section also includes a Trainer Prompt Card containing a range of discussion questions. These prompts are designed to assist trainers in fostering curiosity, tease out deeper conversations, encourage critical thinking, and explore the scenarios in greater detail.
Coffee Training at Glenunga International High School
Our Coffee Trainer Carlo recently visited Glenunga International High School, where their coffee equipment was used to deliver a three-day accredited espresso training course to Year 11 students.
The hands-on training gave students the opportunity to develop practical barista skills, learn about espresso preparation and gain valuable experience using professional coffee equipment.
It was fantastic to see students engaging with the training and building skills that can support future employment opportunities in the hospitality and café industry.
Providing accredited, industry-relevant training to secondary school students is a great way to help young people develop practical skills, confidence, and an understanding of what it takes to work in a professional coffee environment
Energetic Learning with our Industry Pathways Program
This week our Salisbury site had the pleasure of welcoming a group of very energetic students from Workskill who undertook the Industry Pathways Program under the training guidance of Gemma.
During the week, students completed a broad range of topics:
• SIRXCOM001 Communicate in the workplace to support team and customer outcomes
• SITXFSA005 Use hygienic practices for food safety
• SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices
• SIRXIND001 Work effectively in a service environment
• SITHFAB025 Prepare and serve espresso coffee
Lots of positive feedback was given with students reporting Gemma, Jodie and Ali’s friendliness, positivity and happy nature.
Two of the students summed it up as “a great informative, safe, happy environment which made learning fun”.
Pictured is student services manager Ali welcoming and explaining the role of student services and support available!
Coffee Training at Clarence Gardens
Working in a small group for the SITHFAB025 Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee program at Clarence Gardens this month gave students a valuable opportunity to build their confidence and refine their barista skills.
With extra time to learn how to texture milk as well as the espresso machine, students practised creating a wide variety of espresso-based drinks.
Staff and fellow students placed customised drink orders, so students could create drinks catered for each individual’s taste.
This hands-on approach allowed students to put their learning into practice.
🐾 Welcome to the HITsa team, Bernie! 🐾
We’re excited to introduce our newest part-time team member — Bernie, our gorgeous support dog! 💙
Bernie plays an important role in helping create a welcoming and comfortable environment for our students.
Her calm presence, friendly nature and plenty of tail wags can make a real difference, helping students feel more relaxed and at ease while they’re with us.
Of course, Bernie’s role comes with some very important responsibilities — greeting students, providing emotional support, accepting pats and generally being fabulous! 🐶✨
We’re delighted to have Bernie as part of the HITsa family and look forward to seeing the positive impact she has on our students and staff.
Welcome aboard, Bernie! ❤️🐾
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support
Tate S | Jennie K | Gordon W | Melissa A | Tayla T | Javier T | Alexandra L
Maud P | Dylan W | Lisa S
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Soo Sian T | Tilly T | Masoumeh A | Rochelle Ann V | Lily B
CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services
Debra T | Samantha O | Jon O | Gavin D
SIT20421 Certificate II in Cookery
Stephen M | Sienna D | Xander W | Cathlin B
SIR30216 Certificate III in Retail
Haily K | Oliver M | Yar T | Peta B | Chase J | Jayveasna S | Aliza T | Nikki T
Luke A | Daniel B | Azriel B | Siennah H | Mako J | Ryder K | James L
Ollie P | Reuben W | Deklan Y | Anastasi A | Jordan C | Charlotte E
Ebony M | Federica M | Dant N | Briana O