A Newport café run by students offers hands-on experience and skills for future careers in hospitality
Newport: There’s this cool café in Newport that’s run by students, and it’s really making a difference. Located in the Ringland Community Centre, the Newport Youth Academy students, aged 16 to 19, are the ones behind the counter.
They’re part of the Jobs Growth Wales + scheme, which helps them build skills for their future jobs. In the café, they get to practice catering and hospitality, earn food safety qualifications, and learn how to prepare food for larger groups.
They even cater for local events, which is pretty neat! Rhion Hollister, the delivery manager at Newport Youth Academy, mentioned that they based the café on local job market needs in hospitality and catering.
They wanted to create a real-life setting where students could test their skills before heading out for work placements. The café is open to staff, students, and a few clients, giving learners a taste of the hospitality world without the stress of a big chain.
Mr. Hollister also talked about how they’re working on boosting students’ confidence and life skills. By dealing with customers and cooking affordable meals, the students are not just improving their own health but also helping others who enjoy free hot drinks and meals.
The café operates three days a week, and the students were key in getting it up and running. They train new students and spark interest in the hospitality field. Mr. Hollister is excited about the café’s future, saying it’s here to stay.
He finds it rewarding to see students gain valuable work experience in a supportive environment, plus everyone gets a hot meal and drink daily. It’s a win-win!
