VTS Training Supports Dream Cafe Initiative for Young Adults with Autism
We’re proud to be helping turn a family’s dream into reality—and creating meaningful career pathways for young people with autism in the process.
VTS Training has partnered with Divine Social to provide the educational foundation for their ambitious new venture, The Good Company & Co Café located at 59 Regents Park Road in Joondalup, which aims to provide supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Perth’s hospitality sector.
From Family Dream to Community Reality
The owners of Divine Social, Lee and Kerry, have long dreamed of opening a cafe where their clients could gain meaningful work experience. With Lee’s background as a chef, the hospitality industry was a natural fit for their vision.
Their dream gained momentum when their son Ben, who is highly autistic and requires carer support, completed his Certificate III in Hospitality through VTS and was named Student of the Month in November 2023.
“Ben was a delight to teach and so well-mannered and polite,” said his VTS trainer Nicky Dench. ” Ben then went on to complete the Future Chef program with VTS and hopes to complete an apprenticeship with the Good Company & Co Café.
Ben’s success reinforced what Lee and Kerry already believed—that with proper training and support, young people with autism could thrive in hospitality.
Scaling Success Through Systematic Training
VTS is now delivering an Introduction to Hospitality skill set to 18 young adults with autism and 5 support workers. This training will be followed up with the SIRSS00022 Manage disrespectful, aggressive or abusive customers skill set and the Certificate II in Hospitality qualification.
The comprehensive program is specifically designed to prepare participants for roles in The Good Company & Co Cafe, where staff positions will rotate every six months to give as many people as possible the opportunity to gain work experience. Long-term apprenticeships and traineeships will also be available.
Building Bridges to Employment
“What makes this partnership special is seeing how proper training can open doors,” explained Kathy Whitcher, VTS Business Development & Client Relationship Manager. “Ben’s journey proved that with the right educational support, young people with autism can excel in hospitality—and now we’re scaling that success.”
The cafe represents a natural progression for Divine Social, which already runs weekly social events and residential weekends for people with disabilities across Perth and beyond.
When The Good Company & Co Café opens on 22 October 2025, you’re invited to stop by for a coffee and see firsthand what inclusive employment looks like. Every cup served will represent a young person building skills, confidence, and a future they’re proud of.
For organisations interested in creating similar opportunities through tailored training programs, contact our friendly team—because every community deserves its own Good Company story.