There is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to careers. It's why we focus on empowering people to find training and employment opportunities that fit with their goals and aspirations. To make a real difference in any community, providing choice is so important. Everyone should get the chance to dream big and be exactly who they want to be. Bordon based Café 1759 is a place where we’re able to support people to do just that.
Here, cafe Project Manager, Graham, shares more about their opportunities in his own words.
Opening more than just a café
Before we began our journey to opening our non-for-profit community café, we knew that we wanted to create more than just another place for a coffee and a catch-up. We wanted to create a community hub that had a purpose, a place that welcomed people from all backgrounds, somewhere people felt like they truly belonged and had a chance to thrive.
With the support from local volunteers, Café 1759 quickly got up and running and proved to be a great hit in the community, offering local residents work experience and apprenticeship programmes.
An appetite for self-development and professional growth
We wanted to help maximise opportunities for local people to earn and learn, so we recruited for two apprentices, who would begin their journey in the rewarding world of hospitality.
Two apprentices quickly became three when our part time kitchen assistant also got a taste for learning on the job. Delivered by HIT training the 15-month programme taught everything from preparing, cooking, and serving food and drink, to kitchen hygiene and high-quality customer service.
Café 1759 is a warm, welcoming environment by nature. It’s a safe space for people to develop and grow and learn more about what they want to do with their future. With great support from the café staff, our apprentices have achieved good results.
Life beyond the apprenticeship
Our apprentices have now successfully completed their level 2 apprenticeships in food and beverage. Since receiving their qualifications two of our apprentices have gone on to start their own adventures in the world of employment. The beauty of an apprenticeship is that the firsthand experience and knowledge gained creates a foundation to build on – the transferrable skills people learn become adaptable, opening doors to other avenues.
Our third apprentice, who previously worked as a kitchen assistant at the café, is still with us. He is excited and confident to take on further training and courses with our support.
We know that making the first or next move on the career ladder can be daunting. In reality, there isn’t a secret formula to reaching a dream goal. But with the right support – which we feel confident we’re providing people with at Café 1759 – and a willingness to learn, the rest will follow.
