Supporting the Next Generation Through Practical Skills
At Maison Dieu Coffee Roasters, coffee has always been about more than just great flavour. It’s about people, the community and creating opportunities. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our community, which is why giving back is such a big part of who we are.
That’s why we’re proud to offer free barista training sessions to local schools, supporting pupils completing the Enterprise and Employability SQA course. These sessions provide hands-on experience and practical skills that pupils can take forward into further education or employment.
From Classroom to Café
For many pupils, this course is their first real introduction to the world of work. Our barista classes bring learning to life by combining classroom theory with practical café experience. Pupils learn the fundamentals of coffee and espresso preparation, how to safely and professionally use equipment whilst also learning the importance of customer service, time management and working under pressure.
Learning in a real-world environment helps pupils build confidence and gain a clearer understanding of what working life in hospitality can look like.
Skills That Build Confidence and Strengthen a CV
Hospitality remains one of the most accessible industries for young people and barista skills are always in high demand. Completing our training allows pupils to add recognised experience to their CV, demonstrating hands-on skills and helps them to stand out when applying for part-time jobs, apprenticeships or further education.
As highlighted in industry reviews, barista training develops transferable skills that employers value across many entry-level roles. The SQA also recognises the growing importance of barista qualifications as a route into hospitality and employment.
More Than a Part-Time Job
One of the most rewarding parts of delivering these sessions is seeing pupils grow in confidence. Learning a new skill brings a real sense of achievement and for some, opens the door to career paths they may not have previously considered from hospitality and food & drink production to entrepreneurship.
Being a barista can support students through school or university, but as Maison Dieu Coffee Roasters has shown, there are long-term careers in coffee too.
Giving Back to the Community
It’s something we take great pride in and has been an ongoing project for the past two years, with us regularly returning to the school to teach barista skills and supply coffee to pupils and staff.
We’re excited to continue working with Mearns over the coming terms as well as many other schools. We hope to see some of these pupils serving behind the Maison Dieu counter in the future ☕️
If you’re a school delivering the Enterprise and Employability SQA course and would like to learn more about our free barista training sessions, we’d love to hear from you.