Cafe brews up plan for jobseekers
AN Edgeley cafe has launched a new scheme to help people build skills and confidence.
The Olive Cafe, next to the Co-op on Castle Street, Edgeley, is running Open Opportunities, teaching people how to be a Barista.
During the training, they will use the coffee machine and spend a few hours serving coffee to customers.
Pam Robinson, a trus- tee at the cafe, which is a local charity, said: “I came up with the idea of Open Opportunities because I know people in the community who would love the chance to build up skills and confidence without the long-term commitment of volunteering.
“We hope that people will use this experience to go on to gain employment or simply to feel better about themselves.”
The scheme was made possible by a grant from the Equity Foundation and there is a plan to add more modules in the future, such as customer service.
Becky Holland, one of the first people to attend the training, said: “I’m new to the area and this has given me an exciting opportunity to meet new people and learn a new skill.
“I loved making coffee and serving people and being part of a really friendly team.”
Martise Donald, who also attended, added: “This has been a really interesting morning and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. What a great team.”
Jane Allemby, café manager and trainer, said, “This may only be a small training package, but we hope it will go a long way in helping to build skills and confidence.
“As a community cafe, we are delighted to be able to give something back to local people.”
Anyone interested in taking part in Open Opportunities should visit www.oliveroccentre.org. uk or pop into the cafe.