Freshly brewed talent! Hospitality trainees ready to step into work
Our first Paper Cup Project Hospitality Training Programme comes to an end this week (December 2022). We partnered with Paper Cup Coffee and Moose Coffee to provide training and employment opportunities to local people.
Our adult learners studied everything they need to land a job in hospitality, and we’ve lined up guaranteed interviews with Moose Coffee – what an opportunity!
After 3 weeks they’ve completed qualifications in Customer Service, Hospitality and Catering, Food Safety, First Aid and Occupational Studies. They’ve learned about managing customers, communicating and leading a team under pressure, and interview techniques to help them smash the Moose Coffee interview.
We caught up with the learners ahead of their interviews. Here’s what they had to say about the opportunity:
Why did you sign up for this course?
Jordan: I’ve got previous barista experience and I came on this course to help me get back into it with more experience and knowledge behind me. Plus, the qualifications are good for my CV! I heard about it through the job centre.
Iris: I was looking online for opportunities to get a job. This course stood out as an opportunity to learn something different, and it’s made a difference to be around other people and getting qualifications while I’m trying to get into work. It can be tough being isolated at home.
Owen: I came on this course because I really love customer service. I want to work with people and I enjoy meeting lots of different types of people from different backgrounds.
Talia: I found out about this course from First Steps. I wanted to get a job but I was feeling hesitant about how to do it, and I was nervous about meeting people. I didn’t know what this was going to be like.
What have you been learning?
Jordan: We’ve done customer service, problem solving, leadership, health and safety. It’s given me a lot more technical knowledge and background. I know more after these two weeks than I learned in my previous barista role.
Owen: My favourite part has been the physical activities to help us understand teamwork and overcoming challenges. I’ve developed my communication skills. It’s a different way of learning.
Talia: I had some customer service experience already, but this has helped me learn a lot more about how to support different people and provide the best service possible. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to learn some British Sign Language and it’s something I’d like to continue.
How will this help your career?
Jordan: It’s been an opportunity to get back into work after covid. I'm way more confident now.
Iris: I didn’t know what to expect from this course, but it’s helped me get back out there and boosted by employability skills. It’s given me a great opportunity to meet an employer and be in with a chance of getting a job.
Owen: I now see myself working in customer service for a long time. I’ve gained a different view on how customer service works. It’s more intricate than I first thought and I now know how to take different needs of people into account to give them the service they need. I’m confident now working to the customers’ needs.
What will you take away when you finish today?
Jordan: I’ve gained an ability to be myself and to have confidence in myself. In terms of my next steps, I’ve got the interview with Moose Coffee which I’m hoping will go well. This training has prepared me and helped me plan for the interview with lots of examples to talk about.
Iris: My main takeaway from this course is that I’ve had the chance to meet new people. It’s built my confidence and I’ve got practical interview skills now. It’s helped me plan what I want to say and how to demonstrate my skills. It’s reminded me what I need to do to succeed and how to put myself across in the best way possible.
Owen: I used to be very introverted and quiet and it’s pulled me out of my shell. I’ve made some amazing friends and I’ve got confidence in myself.
Talia: I’ve got a lot more confidence in myself now and my ability to get back out there after covid and having a baby. I enjoy meeting new people, I’ve made friends and I’ve got more confidence.
Any last comments?
Jordan: I’ve enjoyed everypart of this course. I definitely recommend it!
Talia: The tutors are lovely and it’s nothing like going on a college course or school. We feel comfortable and respected as adults and that’s a great environment to be able to learn in. I highly recommend this course! It’s a chance to get education, qualifications and skills that are transferable.
Interested in adult learning opportunities? Or are you an employer looking to find new talent? Contact us! Call 300 123 8088 or email info@thelearningfoundry.co.uk
These pre-employment qualifications have been funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Adult Education Budget.