Workforce Development

Food Training SA & FTH Skills Council Workforce Development Award

Winner: Cocolat

Cocolat was established in 1992, and specialises in the art of chocolate indulgences and wicked desserts. This year Cocolat opened two dessert cafes at the Adelaide Airport and Rundle Street. The cafes compliment retail outlets in Hyde Park and Balhannah, which specialise in cakes and truffles. Cocolat employs 35 full time staff and has plans to expand their dessert cafes across Australia.

The judges felt that since taking over Cocolat approximately 2 years ago, owner Terena Blanton-Downs has demonstrated impeccable leadership skills to guide and develop her growing team of staff.

Terena sees the value in developing a career path for each and every employee within her business, as this will bring increased job satisfaction and loyalty. In her own words, her success is the success of others.

Employees of Cocolat are valued as the backbone of the operation and share the same passion and commitment to the business as the owner. Judges view this as a critical achievement in the ongoing workforce development of Cocolat.

Cocolat encourages staff development through training and encourages staff members to move into different roles as their skills grow. The business also forecasts its workforce needs well and pre-hires to ensures they can meet the demand.