Cafe Academy

The scheme offers work-focussed training within the customer service and hospitality industries for unemployed individuals who have a support need. The 11 week course is delivered through a series of workshops, accredited training sessions, food focussed outings, and placements in Café Coast and with another local employer. Both Inspire and Banff and Buchan College are responsible for the training.

This will be the only course of its kind in Aberdeen which combines theory, practical experience and real life work experience. Many job seekers discover themselves stuck in the vicious cycle of ‘no experience, no job’. The barriers that are faced by many are highlighted for people who have a learning disability, mental health problem or physical disability.

Case Study: David Ross

David was a young, shy and quiet boy on his first day at Café Academy. He had left college 6 months prior after completing an access course at college, with little idea of what he would like to do. After 3 weeks at Café Academy, he had become the leader of his group, formed many friendships and had volunteered to do extra hours in Café Coast to increase his skills.

All his hard work paid off when he went for his placement interview with John Lewis, Aberdeen. He bowled over the Learning and Development team with his infectious smile and outgoing attitude, saying he was “not afraid of hard work!”

Within 3 days of his placement, David had impressed John Lewis so much that he was offered a permanent part time job. David is now a Kitchen Porter at John Lewis and is looking to go to college to get his qualifications in Professional Cookery.

Case Study: Matthew McLeod

Matthew was an individual who had previously struggled in social situations. His decision to embark upon the course offered through Café Academy had a huge impact on his life. His employers at the Cocket Hat recognised the change within him and promoted him from Kitchen Porter to Kitchen Assist as soon as he completed the course.

Meeting new people and being involved in challenges resulted in a big increase in his confidence levels and gaining relevant experience within the Café Coast supported environment helped him make that leap up the career ladder.

When asked for a quote about Matthew, John Tracy, Manager at The Cocket Hat said: "The Cafe Academy course run by Inspire has really given Matthew much more confidence. He has been a kitchen porter with us for nearly three years, and as a result of the training and experience gained on the course, we are now pushing him to do more prep work and starters in the kitchen.

"Matthew's learning disability is a major benefit to him and actually works in his favour in the kitchen, as a result of his photographic memory. He is very good at remembering things and the order in which things have to be carried out very well.

Inspire Venture Ltd (a subsidiary of inspire (Partnership Through Life) Ltd) is registered in Scotland as a company limited by guarantee and having charitable status. Registered No. 327812. Scottish Charity No. SC038479.