In partnership with Action for Children and Hi!, BaxterStorey Scotland opened its doors to twelve young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering a two-week work placement at City of Glasgow College and Glasgow Caledonian University.
The aim of the placement was to give the students, aged between 16-25, an opportunity to experience a realistic working environment, to help improve their communication skills and confidence.
The hands-on training programme saw students learning the art of artisan baking, practicing their customer service skills and perfecting their latte art at Matthew Algie Coffee Academy. From Yucatan chicken and Mexican meatballs, to black bean tacos, the students served up some creative combos in the university’s ‘market street’, showcasing the best of Mexican inspired street food.
The two weeks concluded with a graduation lunch, attended by friends and family of the trainees and fundraisers. Following the programme, five students joined BaxterStorey including twenty-five-year-old catering assistant Megan Gallaher.
She said, “I would like to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity in supporting my student experience. It’s been amazing, and I am so excited for what’s to come as I look forward to my career with BaxterStorey.'
Stephanie Wade, CEO of Hi! commented: “It’s crucial for hospitality employees to adopt fair and inclusive practices when recruiting and supporting young, unemployed workers. These students have all previously struggled to attract the attention of local employers because of their barriers to work, lack of confidence and experience. Yet, with new skills and confidence, they’re eager to begin working their way up the career ladder.
'After the successful partnership with BaxterStorey, we are keen to ensure the programme becomes a regular opportunity across Scotland, continuing to support more individuals into starting their career in the hospitality industry.”
Mark McCulloch, operations director, BaxterStorey added: “This was a great opportunity for BaxterStorey Scotland’s team to get involved with Action for Children and introduce some great young people to the hospitality industry. Given the challenges the Hospitality industry is facing, it is the responsibility for all caterers to support young talent enter the industry.”