News

We’re so pleased to be able to share that the two professional-grade coffee machines we provided (with funding from the CashBack for Communities programme*) has enabled staff and individuals at HMP & YOI Polmont to gain their SCQF level 5 qualification in Barista Skills training.

HMP & YOI Polmont is the first prison in Scotland to become an accredited training centre for this nationally recognised qualification. In order to deliver the qualification, staff first went through the training themselves, to allow them to teach and assess the course in-house to the young people.

The course covered areas such as the different types of coffees and other beverages typically served by a barista, and the history and origins of coffee. Students were taught how to set up, operate, clean and close down specialist barista equipment, and had the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills by preparing and serving different hot and cold beverages.

Courtney Rice, Passport CashBack Coordinator at Access to Industry, says:
“Working closely with Scottish Prison Service staff, we identified a gap in the training and wanted to develop a programme that would upskill the young people and enhance their employment opportunities upon liberation. Delivering the SCQF Level 5 Barista Skills within HMP & YOI Polmont’s LifeSkills hub was discussed to enhance the hospitality qualifications that were offered. This kind of training is key in helping the young people to build their confidence and self-esteem, and so that they can leave with industry-recognised qualifications to strengthen their CV. Being able to help the young people with their employment prospects is a huge privilege, and I hope that some will go out and use these qualifications in the community – that is reason to keep these courses running continually.”

*CashBack for Communities is funded by the Scottish Government and reinvests funds recovered from the proceeds of crime into projects delivering positive futures for young people.

Learn more about our Passport CashBack service here.