Full steam ahead for Bradford Holmewood coffee barista project

It’s full steam ahead for a Salvation Army scheme in Bradford which is training people in the art of coffee making. 

The six-week courses are being run by the church and charity in Bradford Holmewood with participants getting the perfect blend of barista training with employability skills to help boost their job prospects. 

The Salvation Army is working in partnership with Holme Community Association, who run Holme in the Wood Coffee Shop in the Parade and CherishEd, who run Storehouse Coffee Shop, based at the Elim Church, to provide volunteer opportunities so people can build confidence and feel ready to apply for jobs. 

John Myers, Community Mission Manager at Bradford Holmewood Salvation Army, said the scheme is not only about providing skills, but ensuring that the community have access to good quality affordable coffee in a relaxed and welcoming environment. 

John said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide new skills to people from across Holmewood estate. 

“The course involves machine training with provider Caffé Society, as well as sessions on bean quality, how to make different coffees and latte art. 

“We also provide sessions on employability skills and help with CVs, applications and interview techniques. We are with people throughout this journey, beyond them getting job interviews.” 

With seven people having graduated already, one has gone on to get a full-time job. As well as picking up skills, they have made strong friendships and lasting connections with the church and charity. 

John added: “Friendships have developed and they’re doing things together outside of the course, which is great to see. We really want to see them forging connections with each other and with The Salvation Army, so they want to come back and volunteer with us. 

“This is an example of church working in the community, helping to build relationships and transform lives.” 

Ollie, 25, had been unemployed for about three years and since doing the training has gone on to get a job at Lister's Coffee Shop at Manningham Mills Community Hub, a café run by Equality Together. 

Ollie said: “I was applying for all sorts of jobs, and barista work wasn't something I particularly gave too much thought to, but I really enjoyed the training course and the chance to practice at The Salvation Army. 

“I was encouraged to get some voluntary work and started applying for jobs, and I was getting quite a few interviews. Only a couple of months after the course finished, I was successful in getting my first proper job. I'm very grateful to John and the barista training course, as I'd been out of work for a long time and struggling to get anywhere.” 

Ollie returned to offer hints and tips on the interview process to the next cohort, Declan, Hannah, Kodi, Alfie and Isabelle, who graduated last week. 

Declan, 21, who will be going to university later this year, said: “It’s been really good. We had a session with Caffe Society who are really knowledgeable, we’ve made lots of drinks, talked about customer service, improved our CVs and learned what kind of questions they’ll ask us in interviews. My aim now is to find a job as a barista until I go to university.”

Hannah, 18, who is volunteering at Holme in the Wood and looking for a full-time job, said: “We’ve learned a lot and improved our coffee making skills. It’s very tough out there trying to find a job, but at least we have got the experience now. It’s been great and I’d recommend it to anyone.”  

Ursula Sutcliffe, who set up Holme Community Association, which runs Holme in the Wood Coffee shop in the Parade, said: “It’s a joint effort to get good sustainable jobs on the estate. The Salvation Army can train people who can then come to our coffee shop to gain that knowledge and confidence, and help get them to the stage where they can start applying for jobs.” 

Bradford Holmewood Salvation Army will be opening a coffee shop within the church and community centre in the next few weeks. 

The Holmewood programme runs on Fridays, with a plan for six cohorts of six equipping 36 people with the skills needed. It is open to any age with referrals taken from agencies as well as self-referrals. If you are interested in taking part please contact Bradford Holmewood on 01274 684 230 or email bradford.holmewood@salvationarmy.org.uk