Crisis Skylight Cafe
A recipe for success
Crisis Skylight Café is an inspirational social enterprise and art space, open to the public at Crisis HQ in East London, which provides a route into work for homeless people and ex-offenders. Under the guidance of an experienced café manager and team, trainees receive individually tailor made training, leading to recognised qualifications in food hygiene, customer care, operational services and food preparation skills.
The project opened in August 2004 and has since helped over 100 trainees, 59 of whom have now moved on to gain permanent employment in the service industry. We are currently placing two trainees back into work every month.
What does a trainee do?
Trainees usually spend 2-3 days a week in the café, accumulating diverse experience that can be applied in any areas of the catering industry (cafés, restaurants, kitchens, hotels and events).
The aim of this programme is to get trainees into paid work. Trainees will learn and develop different skills whilst working in a friendly and safe environment with professional support. Each trainee has a tailor-made personal development plan which may include the following:
- Kitchen: Food preparation including hot and cold meals, chef and team support, health & safety, food hygiene practices & kitchen organisation.
- Front of House: Customer service, team work, communication skills, product knowledge, presentation, sales, cash handling and coffee training.
- Extra Skills: Promotion & special events organisation, office and IT Skills, interview techniques and job search skills.
What does the trainee get out of it?
- NVQ level 2 training in Multi-Skilled Hospitality Services, Customer Service or Food Processing and Cookery.
- Personal and professional coaching and action planning
- Job opportunities and career prospects
- Work experience placements
- Travel expenses and food
- Bonus incentives, team away days and educational visits
How does the programme work?
- Assessment interview
- Induction trial day
- Tailor-made training programme structured according to skills and interests
- Weekly reviews and self assessments
- Support for interviews and job search
- Job placement and/or project support
How can I apply?
To apply to become a trainee at the Crisis Skylight Café please download and complete an application form, and return it to us at the address given in the form.