Cooking up fun and success

Here at CVGT Employment, we partner with a range of fantastic organisations to help people to find meaningful employment. 

These partnerships help us to deliver the kind of holistic support that people need to build their skills and confidence before returning to the workplace. 

One of our favourite partners is Letizia’s Training & Development, formerly known as Cooking 4 Life, which delivers first aid and hospitality training to Shepparton and the broader Goulburn Valley region of Victoria. 

Letizia’s Training & Development ’s owner is Mario Letizia, who has been working alongside CVGT Employment Manager Tara to develop the partnership. 

“In my fifth year collaborating with Ms Tara at the Shepparton site, we discuss not only courses that may benefit CVGT participants, but also the best way to establish positive outcomes for the participants,” he says. 

This is not only employment outcomes, but it may be breaking down barriers for participants, such as their anxiety or trauma.   I believe we have a successful collaboration as we don’t look at training as a separate entity, we all see it as one team working together. 
Mario Letizia
Letizia’s Training & Development 

Mario says he helps participants to develop life skills such as confidence, alongside more formal qualifications. 

“We offer any additional advice and support on job searching and provide my name and details for participants to add as a referee on their resume,” he says. 

“I also utilise my own network of hospitality venues for workplace mentoring and possible employment opportunities. 

“My passion is creating a learning environment that is warm and inviting, as well as student focused with smaller class sizes and flexibility in delivery to adjust to the students’ learning style and needs.” 

For Tara and the rest of the local CVGT Employment team, the benefits of this partnership and Mario’s approach are clear to see. 

“Mario has been a massive reason for the achievements and performance at the Shepparton site,” Tara says. 

“The participants love him! More than that, they want to make him proud.” 

Mario is keen to continue providing a service that benefits people who want to find meaningful work. 

“I am more than grateful to be part of the CVGT Employment family,” he says, “and look forward to a long successful partnership.”