By Angela Green: Dedicated hospitality training cafe opens in Glasgow.
Catering News is sponsored by Two Services
Hub International has announced its new partnership with the National Health Service through the opening of its Hi! Cafe at the Glasgow Dental Hospital.
This pioneering venture aims to provide much needed work and training opportunities to young people, disadvantaged individuals, and those with disabilities, while also offering a unique and welcoming space for staff and the local community.
Under the 5-year contract awarded by the NHS, Hub International will operate the Hi! Cafe as a social enterprise. This means that all profits generated will be reinvested into the cafe, ensuring its sustainability, and furthering its mission to empower individuals and make a positive contribution to the hospitality industry.
The Hi! Cafe is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. By providing hands-on, real-life work experience, the cafe will equip its staff with essential skills for future employment. Through a supportive and inclusive environment, trainees will have the chance to develop their customer service skills, boost their confidence, and increase their overall employability.
Mr Pepin, Deputy Headteacher from Parkhill Secondary School commented: “The new Hi! Cafe is a wonderful opportunity for Glasgow and Glasgow’s learners to benefit from a working environment that offers bespoke work-experience and training. We are extremely excited about the possibilities afforded by this new cafe. For years we have been searching for a provider who can deliver in-house training and real-life work experiences for our pupils. The Hi! Cafe offers a very safe and nurturing space for young people, including those with Additional Support Needs, to find their feet and develop the skills they need to achieve positive and sustained destinations in their future. We are very much looking forward to being able to utilise the Hi! Café and seeing our young people develop these skills.”
One of the key objectives of this social enterprise is to create a friendly space for customers, where they can enjoy high-quality food and beverages while also making a positive impact on the local community. The Hi! Cafe will showcase a range of delicious, locally sourced products, ensuring that every customer can enjoy a coffee and cake for a good cause.
Hub International’s CEO, Stephanie Wade, expressed her enthusiasm for this partnership, stating: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the NHS to bring the Hi! Cafe to life. This venture is a first for us and aligns perfectly with our commitment to social responsibility and our dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals who face barriers to employment. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, and we are excited to provide that opportunity through this unique and inspiring project.”
Lisa Dorrian, General Manager Oral Health Directorate for NHS said: “I am delighted to be working with the team at Hub International on this new venture which will help to support the training and development of the young people involved and provides an excellent cafe facility for the staff, students and patients of the Glasgow Dental Hospital and School. I wish them every success and look forward to enjoying the new facility and sampling the cakes!”