HITsa Newsletter

Launch into 2026 with Training That Fits — Not One Size Fits All

At HITsa, we understand that no two learners, schools or employers are the same. That’s why we offer a broad range of nationally recognised qualifications and short courses and the flexibility to tailor training solutions that genuinely meet industry and community needs.

Working closely with schools, employers and community partners throughout metropolitan and regional South Australia, we deliver programs across a wide variety of sectors with high employment demand:  

• Health and Community Services
• Early Childhood Education and Care
• Hospitality  
• Cookery and Food
• Retail
• Cleaning
• Business
• Leadership

Beyond our standard qualifications, HITsa specialises in tailored training solutions. Whether it’s a pre-employment program for students, a targeted skills program for employers, or a customised pathway for a specific cohort, we can adapt existing training or design a program from the ground up. This includes delivery through:

• VET in Schools programs
• School-based and adult traineeships
• Pre-employment and pathway programs
• Fee-for-service or government-subsidised training

Our approach is collaborative — we work with you to understand workforce needs, learner barriers and industry expectations, ensuring training is practical, relevant and outcomes-focused.

If you’re a school, employer or organisation looking for flexible, high-quality training that aligns with real-world needs, HITsa can help build the right solution.

We have a team of four Business Managers (Sarah, Jodie, Joanne, and Carolyn) who support our Employer and Job Service Provider partners across metropolitan and regional South Australia. To explore how we can tailor training to your learners or workforce, please email [email protected] or call us on (08) 8375 2800.

Trainer Spotlight - Kirby Shearing

HITsa Mt Gambier has gone from strength to strength since our opening in February 2025. As our brand continues to grow we are delighted to add our first local hospitality trainer to the team, Chef Kirby - owner of Elementary by Soul - https://www.soulprojects.com.au/.

Kirby is keen to continue to work with HITsa in 2026 developing a range of programs including

• RSA
• Espresso training
• Food Safety Supervisor training
• Retail / Hospitality programs
• Cookery programs with a focus working with schools within the Limestone Coast

So we thought it only fitting to press the flesh with our latest culinary guru and asked some hard hitting questions....

Experience - where did you complete your training, when, which kitchens have you worked in?

My passion for hospitality is deeply rooted in my upbringing. I have worked in the industry since the age of 8 and have always been drawn to its unique ability to bring people together across all backgrounds. Training and mentorship are areas I care deeply about, as the craft of hospitality, particularly its cultural and human elements, can be undervalued in today’s fast-paced environment. At its best, hospitality fosters connection, presence, creativity, and inspiration, often conveyed as much through actions and processes as through words.

I commenced my full-time employment and apprenticeship at the age of 15 with the well-regarded Adelaide restaurant Windy Point, where I spent 4 formative years developing a strong technical foundation. Following this, I undertook 6 months of front-of-house training, working alongside experienced service professionals to broaden my understanding of hospitality from both kitchen and guest-facing perspectives.

I subsequently relocated to Melbourne, using it as a base for the next 5 years while working across a range of respected kitchens, including Mash, Radii, Wine House & Brasserie, and City Wine Shop/European Café. During this period, I also gained international experience, spending time working in New Zealand and England.

Why is HITsa South Australia’s cookery RTO of choice – what makes them proud to be part of our program?

Through my own experience training with a competitor RTO, I felt there was a gap in accountability and depth, particularly in ensuring modern learners receive not only quality training, but thorough and relevant preparation for the realities of the industry. This is an area I believe HITSA addresses with intent and rigour.

What is your personal cookery training ambition?

While my ambitions have naturally evolved with experience and perspective, I have always been motivated to challenge myself and grow. Today, my focus is on contributing meaningfully to the regions I work in and leaving a legacy that reinforces the value of hospitality as an essential, dynamic, and irreplaceable profession.

Career Highlights?

2009 - I launched The Tasting Room at Mayura Station and was fortunate to complete a two-week stage at Noma, an experience that remains one of many professional highlights.

2012 - I established my own business in Mount Gambier, Soul Co Pty Ltd, initially focused on catering and events under the Soul Projects banner. This has since evolved to include Elementary by Soul Co, a modern dining restaurant that has been generously recognised, including Top 5 Destination Dining (Gourmet Traveller, 2025), Top 100 Food Experiences in Australia (Delicious Magazine), and one AGFG Hat being the first venue in Mount Gambier to receive this distinction.

What's your advice for anybody thinking of starting a career in cookery?

For those considering a career in hospitality, my advice is to continue moving forward with purpose, remain grounded in who you are and what you bring, and stay committed to your craft. Over time, clarity comes, and dedication is rewarded.

So if you are travelling to the Mount make sure you book a seat at an unforgettable dining experience .... trust me every mouthful is delish - https://www.soulprojects.com.au

Hands-on Introduction to the world of Coffee

Our trainer Kirby recently visited St Martins Lutheran College in Mount Gambier to deliver SITHFAB025 Prepare and Serve Espresso to a group of enthusiastic Year 10 students. The session gave students a hands-on introduction to the world of coffee, from understanding espresso basics to learning practical skills used in real hospitality settings.

It was fantastic to see students getting involved, asking great questions, and building confidence as they explored potential pathways into hospitality. A big thank you to St Martins Lutheran College for welcoming us — and to Kirby for sharing his industry knowledge and passion with the next generation of baristas!

A Sizzling end to 2025 at Mt Barker

In the final week of classes for 2025 we had a number of students successfully complete their courses.

Robert attended every single day of classes since he enrolled, and today completed the final unit of CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services. We were talking about his plans for the future, and he is keen to put his new skills to work in a meaningful way – by looking for work with Refugees SA. We wish Robert all the best in these endeavours, and know that he will go on to make a positive difference in the world.

George completed the Preparing to Work in Community Services and Health Skill Set. He tells me he has enjoyed the training with HITsa, and he is enthusiastic to return in 2026 to complete CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. The skillset allows potential students like George to experience a taster of the Cert III qualification, and to determine whether this is the right career path for them. We look forward to seeing George’s smiling face back on campus in early 2026!

Dean, Liam and Shaylee successfully completed the Retail and Food safety Employability Skills program. They worked hard, over 3 intensive weeks to master a range of skills, which will enable them to enter the workforce in the retail/food service sectors. It was fun having the group here at Mt Barker campus, and I know that both their trainers and I believe that they will all go on from here to find employment that they enjoy.

2026 is shaping to be a big at busy year at HITsa Mt Barker, and we look forward to sharing many more stories of our graduates’ success.

Shane’s Work Placement Journey at HITsa

Work placements offer students a vital opportunity to transition from academic learning to professional practice. Shane, a Master of Social Work student at Flinders University, recently completed his first placement at HITsa, where he contributed to the development and implementation of a new wellbeing framework.

Initially nervous but excited, Shane aimed to gain real-world experience, apply his academic knowledge, and build confidence in professional interactions. Over the course of his placement, he exceeded his expectations, significantly improving his communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. He also developed a deeper understanding of professionalism, time management, and adaptability in the workplace.

Shane credited the support of HITsa’s Head of Wellbeing and the hands-on nature of the placement for helping him grow both personally and professionally. He described the experience as invaluable, providing insights and skills that a classroom theory could not replicate. Shane now feels more prepared and confident for his future career in social work.

HITsa expressed its gratitude for Shane’s contributions, particularly his role in shaping and implementing its new wellbeing framework. His collaboration, insightful suggestions, and dedication made a significant impact on its wellbeing support approach. HITsa highlighted the value of his work, noting that his efforts have left a lasting positive impression. As Shane concludes his placement, he reflects on the experience as a pivotal step in his journey, equipping him with the tools and confidence to succeed in his future career.

Your Voice Matters:

Student Feedback Survey Results Are In…

We’re excited to share the fantastic results from our recent Student Feedback Survey. Feedback helps us improve and ensure every learner feels supported and engaged.

Here’s what you told us:

• Participation: 519 student survey submissions completed (thank you for making the voices heard!)
• Overall Satisfaction: An impressive 87% of respondents rated their learning experience as Excellent or Very Good.
• Trainer Support: students agreed that trainers are exceptional and provided clear guidance, rating an average of 9.5 out of 10.
• Learning Resources: 69% of responded found the resources extremely helpful and easy to use.

What You Loved About Our Trainers

Your comments spoke volumes about the passion and dedication of our trainers. Here are just a few highlights:

“Scott was an excellent trainer! He was very passionate about what he was teaching, engaged well with the class and made everyone feel welcome. Absolute legend!”

“Massive thank you to Sandra for helping to explain things in a way that was easy to process. Easily one of the best trainers I’ve encountered.”

“I was quite anxious at first but really enjoyed it. Mark was great, easy to chat with and have a joke!”

“She was very friendly and approachable, used real-world examples, and kept the pace comfortable without feeling rushed.”

“I would give [Lizzy] a higher score if I could. Great personality, true desire to teach, and amazing energy!”

“Extremely funny trainer. Genuinely enjoyed my time and that’s saying something because I’ve never liked learning in a class setting.”

“Oshie is extremely good at delivering the information on the module. She makes the class fun, so I look forward to it and feel less stressed (even as the oldest in the group)!”

What’s Next

Your feedback helps us keep improving. We’re already working on reviewing units, more use of technology and introduction of innovative assessment tools. 

Thank you for being part of our learning community. Together, we’re making education better for everyone!

Retail and Food Safety Employability Skills Course at Salisbury

November 2025 saw the first Retail and Food Safety Employability Skills course being held at Salisbury.

A 4-week short course delivering nationally recognised units of training, this course provides practical training that develops skills for entry level service roles across a range of industries.

Units build skills and confidence in customer service, balance and securing a point of sale, producing visual merchandise displays, communication skills as well as food safety.

Nichola, a graduate of the course, offered the following feedback -

“My name is Nichola, I'm interested in care work and expanding my skills. I was doing a short course on customer and food safety. I really enjoyed the practical part of the course, they were fun and engaging. Studying at HITsa was a wonderful experience as the team is friendly and helpful I hope to study there again in the future. I'm looking forward to more studies and hopefully a job I enjoy as much as I enjoyed the studying for it.”

Nichola had previously attended HITsa to gain her RSA and also completed the Can Care course in 2024. Her repeat enrolments demonstrate the value our students place on their learning experience with HITsa.

What is assessment?

Assessment is the process of collecting evidence and making judgements on whether competency has been achieved. When we assess student performance we must observe the demonstration of skills – often through practical tasks or verbal simulations.

As students complete these skills demonstrations, HITsa assessors record their performance using Observation Checklists. These are an essential part of the evidence we collect when conducting assessments across all our qualifications.