Students at King’s Oak Academy got a hands-on taste of the world of work through a new pilot partnership being run with Clifton Coffee as part of its broader Future Workforce partnership.
The initiative is designed to empower learners by equipping them with practical skills and entrepreneurial know-how through the creation of their own student café.
Launched at the end of January, the project provided students with hands-on experience not only in barista training but also in essential aspects of running a business, including customer service, pricing strategies, and budgeting.
The program kicked off with a visit from the Clifton Coffee team to King’s Oak, where they met the first cohort of participants and introduced them to the project.
Over the course of three interactive training sessions held at Clifton Coffee HQ, students received expert guidance and practiced crafting high-quality coffee in a professional setting.
By the conclusion of the training, participants have the confidence and capability to serve exceptional coffee to parents and staff, creating a welcoming space while putting their new skills to the test
James Cornick, Specialist Leader in Education for King’s Oak’s parent trust part of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to give our catering students a chance to learn practical, industry recognised skills and get hands on experience creating and running their own business.
“Collaborating with the team at Clifton Coffee and seeing our young baristas in action was amazing.”
The student café project represents a unique opportunity for learners to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world experience, laying a strong foundation for their futures.
A spokesperson from Clifton Coffee said: “Clifton Coffee are excited to partner with the Cabot Learning Federation and King’s Oak Academy inspired by the principles of the Future Workforce initiative.
“Barista and hospitality skills are essential for young people as they teach the value of kindness, empathy, and respect for others. Learning to interact with people, solving problems, and helping others fosters strong social connections and builds confidence.
“These skills encourage teamwork and cooperation, essential for school, family, and community life. Early experience in hospitality helps young people develop emotional intelligence and prepares them for future personal and professional relationships and success, creating a foundation for a compassionate and inclusive mindset.”
