Celebrating the Success of the Refugee Employability Group’s Barista Academy Project

This month, we had the pleasure of bringing together the refugee employability group to celebrate the successful completion of their Barista Academy project. It was a heartwarming event that showcased the incredible achievements and impacts of the program on these young individuals’ lives.

Programme Highlights:

• Completion: A total of 16 young refugees successfully completed the barista training.
• Support: Over 50 days of expert support were provided, ensuring that participants received the guidance and training they needed to excel.
• Site Visits: The group made 6 site visits to various businesses across Belfast, gaining invaluable insights and practical experience in real-world settings.
• Further Education: Two participants have accessed courses through the Open University, furthering their education and career prospects.
• Employment: Two participants have already secured direct employment, a testament to the skills and confidence they gained through the program.
• OCN Level 3: Eight participants have completed at least 6 of the required 7 points currently for OCN Level 3 certification, putting them on the path to achieving this valuable qualification.

The Barista Academy project has not only equipped these young refugees with practical skills but also provided them with opportunities to build their confidence, expand their networks, and explore further educational and employment prospects.