Birmingham Barista Training Programme Launch
We are excited to announce the launch of our new training programme in Birmingham, designed to offer life-changing skills and employment opportunities for individuals affected by homelessness.
In partnership with Compass Group UK & Ireland, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), and Birmingham Metropolitan College (Birmingham Met), this initiative will provide essential training and support, empowering participants to secure stable employment and improve their quality of life.
This partnership between multi-sector leaders draws on each organisation’s unique expertise, enabling the provision of high-quality support, training and employment to people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The wider launch follows the first successful trial, which saw people graduate last month and three people now working within Compass Group UK & Ireland. Trainee referrals to the Change Please programme will come through the DWP and training will be provided by Change Please, Birmingham Met, and Compass, who will bring real world hospitality experience to the programme.
Compass is providing its state of the art Regional Community Skills and Learning Hub, Xcelerate with Edgbaston, to host part of the training and hosted the Graduation event for cohort one .
Programme Overview:
Week 1 is focused on customer service, health & safety and employability, building candidates’ knowledge of workplace expectations. Week 2 is dedicated barista training, equipping them with the skills to secure lasting employment.
- Week 1 at Birmingham Met: Candidates will begin with a comprehensive introduction to the workplace, learning vital skills such as health and safety, CV writing, and customer service techniques. Delivered by Birmingham Met tutors, the trainees will take part in a Level 1 Customer Service Award, positioning them for success in the workforce.
- Week 2 at Compass’ Xcelerate with Edgbaston: The second week will focus on barista training, an increasingly in-demand skill in the hospitality industry. Participants will learn how to prepare a range of coffee drinks while gaining practical experience in a professional café environment.
On graduating from the programme, trainees will be offered a 12 week paid work placement within the Compass business, with the potential for this to lead to permanent roles. Tackling Birmingham’s Homelessness Crisis
Homelessness remains a significant issue in Birmingham, with rising numbers of individuals struggling to find safe and stable living conditions. Around 300 to 400 people are seeking help from the council every week in recent years. This increase is attributed to factors such as the lifting of eviction bans post-pandemic, the end of the furlough scheme, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. As a result, the city has seen a rise in the number of individuals and families requiring temporary accommodation, with more than 9 households per 1,000 living in such conditions by late 2021*.
The Change Please Training Programme offers a proactive solution by equipping vulnerable individuals with marketable skills, a formal accreditation, and access to a network of employers, giving them the chance to rebuild their lives.
"We are committed to making a positive impact on homelessness in Birmingham through empowerment and employment," said Julian Burnham, Regional Impact Director at Change Please. "By providing practical skills, accredited training, and real employment opportunities, this programme offers a pathway out of homelessness for many individuals."
Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland added: “We are very proud to be partnering with Change Please to deliver this initiative in the Birmingham area. It allows us to offer our fantastic Xcelerate facility, to help people’s development. We are committed to supporting social mobility and delivering social value in the areas in which we operate – this programme brings this all together perfectly.”