Coffee offer served up to school leavers
Barista training for students at new academy
A coffee roasting business based in Highland Perthshire has launched an initiative to help local school leavers begin in hospitality careers.
Glen Lyon Coffee has launched a new ‘coffee academy’ in Aberfeldy to assist students finishing their studies find work as skilled baristas in the hospitality and coffee industries.
Initially it will look to the secondary school in the town, Breadalbane Academy for recruits, but in future it hopes to welcome students from across the wider county.
Café work is often the first stepping stone for young people into the world of work and there is real demand in the hospitality industry for employees with barista skills and experience in customer service.
The opportunity comes at a time when young people would particularly appreciate a hand.
“This COVID pandemic is taking a terrible toll on the confidence and prospects of our younger generation,” commented Jamie Grant, director or Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters.
“This Coffee Academy will be dedicated to helping young people from our community on the challenging journey out of school and into work.”
“Lockdown has seen increased mental health issues, anxiety and isolation amongst young people,” said David Fox-Pitt, chairman of Project Northern Lights.
“We think that this project will boost participant’s confidence, social skills from working in customer service, and self-esteem. So it should also have a positive impact on helping young people find their feet coming out of the COVID crisis.”
The initial two-year pilot project will offer a three-month mentoring programme to 16 final year pupils (S5 and S6) from Breadalbane Academy in Perthshire.
Those who enrol can expect to join an introduction day to the world of coffee, from farm to cup, at Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters in Aberfeldy.
Then they will take two internationally accredited courses by the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA): Introduction to Coffee and Barista Skills. Students will receive certificates to show potential employers.
This will be followed up by voluntary work placements in local partner cafes which have already enthusiastically signed up to the project.
Students will leave the programme with references for potential employers.
The project is being supported by the youth charity Project Northern Lights and is funded by the Griffin and Calliacher Community Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund and the Basil Death Trust,
If successful, the project will scale up to include secondary schools across Perthshire.
Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters will take on trainees
“Breadalbane Academy is thrilled to be the partner school for the initial twoyear pilot of this project,” commented Monica Young, project officer for Breadalbane Academy.
“Many of our pupils are really excited about getting involved in the speciality coffee industry which has become very attractive to young people in recent years.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity that will boost students confidence as they look to take their first steps into employment,” added Highland Ward councillor Mike Williamson.
“I am certain that final year students from across Highland Perthshire will be delighted with the opportunity to be involved in the Coffee Academy and I am quite sure that places on the course will quickly become over-subscribed.”