Young baristas brew up new skills at Glasgow Skills Academy

Young people have been brewing up new skills with the help of local coffee expert, Ryan Sinclair, as they embark on barista training at Hillington-based Skills Academy.

Article Source: Kibble
Last Updated: 7 November 2024 15:53

A group of 12 young people attended the training day hosted at the purpose-use Skills Academy, part of Kibble Group, which saw them learn the basics of being a barista, latte art and how to create the perfect cup of coffee.

The young people who attend the Skills Academy have struggled to engage in mainstream education and attend the purpose-use facility to gain qualifications while learning skills that will help them transition into the workplace.

The session was run by Ryan Sinclair who owns Koffee Kart and Standards Hospitality. Ryan began his own journey in hospitality at the young age of 16 and has worked in cafes, restaurants and now offers wedding-catering and training with his years of knowledge and experience.

The young people ended the day with a Barista skills course completion certificate, giving them a stepping-stone to help jumpstart a career in the hospitality sector.

Ryan Sinclair, owner of Standards Hospitality and Koffee Kart said: “Building a career in hospitality has been incredibly rewarding for me, and I hope that providing these young people with these skills I can help them take their own first steps into the world of hospitality.”

Through an ongoing partnership programme with local businesses and organisations, The Skills Academy offers education and training opportunities to meet unique or vocational needs of the young people who use its services.

The ethos of the Skills Academy is to provide pathways into employment for young people who have experienced social disadvantage or vulnerability, struggle to engage in mainstream education and ease the transition from full-time education into a workplace.

Lisa Wardlaw, head of Skills Academy said: “Barista training is something we’ve wanted to offer our young people for some time now, with hospitality being an appealing and accessible route into the world of work for many young people. I’m really pleased that we managed to set up a partnership with Ryan and he was able to impart some of his well-honed skills and expertise to our young people. I could see the confidence growing throughout the day and for me that highlights exactly what the Skills Academy is all about.”

Leaving with a certificate and a newfound confidence in latte art, one young person said: “I could see myself working in a coffee shop now, and maybe one day I could open my own cafe, I’d call it Coffee Toffee!”

The Skills Academy is a purpose-use space that offers young people experience in a range of roles including mechanics, joinery, hairdressing, painting and decorating and gardening.

The Skills Academy is part of children and young people’s care charity, Kibble Group, and is an education and training centre for young people to learn vocational skills while gaining an education to create pathways into the world of work. The Skills Academy works with organisations from a wide range of sectors allowing young people to understand the careers available to them within different industries and the route to accessing the roles they want to secure.

The Skills Academy works closely with local authorities and schools to provide SQA and City & Guilds certified courses and qualifications to young people throughout Glasgow and Renfrewshire.

For more information, or to learn more about Kibble and The Skills Academy, please visit www.kibble.org

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Guts UK, the national digestive charity, brings interactive awareness event to Glasgow

Guts UK and Colin the Colon, a giant, walk-through inflatable replica of a colon will be in Glasgow to raise vital awareness of digestive health conditions.

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Chef Modou Diagne to open new restaurant TRUST in Glasgow

Critically acclaimed chef Modou Diagne, known for his innovative approach and celebrated success at 111 by Nico, is set to open his second Glasgow restaurant this summer.

Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event

An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.

Soulful start for Glasgow Jazz Festival

The 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival gets off to a soulful start today as it opens at venues across the city, officially kicking off five extraordinary days of music.

Aldi Supermarket Sweep is coming to Glasgow

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Glasgow the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow

Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.

First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow

Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Over 1,000 yogis set to downward dog at Emirates Arena for largest event of its kind

Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts will be namaste-ing at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Saturday as part of a World Yoga Day event with renowned PYPT practitioner, Sadhvi Devaditi.

Global fashion retail brand Hollister now open at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister has opened its doors today, joining its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Unique displays set to tour Glasgow during its momentous 850th anniversary year

As part of the Glasgow 850 programme, two special displays celebrating Glasgow's development through the centuries and rich social history are about to go on a citywide tour.

Nine works by eminent Scottish artist Alasdair Gray go on display in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Nine works from the significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14th June.

Justin Fletcher announces final tour dates as his brand new rocktastic live theatre show extends into 2026!

CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has announced that his brand-new live theatre tour Justin Time To Rock will now continue into Spring 2026, with final tour dates just announced.

Double the Cheers: VEGA Unveils Fathers Day x National Beer Day Experience

With Father's Day and National Beer Day falling on the same date, VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow is serving up the ultimate experience for dads, blending both celebrations into one amazing offer.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.

This activity bar is the ideal way to celebrate Fathers Day

If you're trying to think of something more than socks and slippers to treat your dad to this Father’s Day, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option. 

Glasgow, your ultimate beauty destination has arrived

Today H Beauty opens its doors at Silverburn unveiling a next level beauty experience in the west of Scotland.

North at Address Glasgow launches fresh summer menu, seasonal cocktails & weekend brunch

The Address Glasgow has unveiled an all-new summer offering at its signature restaurant, NORTH, featuring bold seasonal flavours, expertly crafted cocktails, and a new weekend brunch menu!

Raise the steaks for dad

A popular Scottish beer brand is serving up the ultimate rare treat this Father's Day!

Saturday walking tours start at Rickshaw & Co.

Vibrant award-wining Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant Rickshaw & Co. is proud to be featured in Stories Behind Glasgow's Hospitality, part of the city's 850th anniversary celebrations.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

Books and Beats: Fundraising book launch for Elephant by Gillian Shirreffs in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity

A not-to-be-missed literary afternoon celebrating the power of words, music and community will take place on Saturday 14th June at Glasgow University Union.

Buchanan Galleries partners with charities to launch initiative in support of improving mens health

Buchanan Galleries, has partnered with five health charities and services for a weeklong initiative aimed at supporting men in Glasgow to improve their health and mental wellbeing.

Glasgow 850 volunteers contribute 350 hours to city celebration

Dedicated Glasgow 850 volunteers have officially surpassed 350 hours of volunteering and engagement activities throughout the city in 2025, it has been announced.

Maison by Glaschu brings summer to Princes Square with free ice cream and unlimited steak frites

One of Glasgow's chicest restaurants and bars, Maison by Glaschu is kicking off summer with a week-long ice cream cart pop-up and a Bastille Day bottomless steak frites special.