Before a young person can become a trainee at The Usual Place, they will complete a 12-week induction programme.
This programme is designed for people aged 14-26 years who have additional support needs.
The programme has several aims:
- To give volunteer experience in hospitality at The Usual Place once a week
- To empower the young person to achieve their ambitions in both life and work
- To allow the young person to learn effective handwashing techniques, food safety procedure such as allergy awareness, good customer care and work towards a food hygiene certificate.
Over the first six weeks, the volunteer will experience all aspects of our business while supported by a mentor.
The volunteer will spend two weeks in each of our key areas: the kitchen, the café and the retail shop.
- In the kitchen, the volunteer will learn baking and cookery skills and kitchen cleanliness and safety, as well as helping with washing the dishes and cutlery.
- In the café, the volunteer will learn all about working behind the counter. This involves serving food and drinks from the counter and pass, clearing and cleaning tables, keeping the café environment safe and clean for themselves and for customers and keeping toilets to The Usual Place’s standards, as well as general customer service skills.
- In the retail store, the volunteer will learn skills in pricing products, taking stock, arranging shelves, till operations as well as how to keep the environment clean and safe for themselves and customers.
After trialling each sector, the volunteer can pick their favourite to work in for their remaining six weeks.
At the end of this twelve-week placement the volunteer, if they so choose, will become a trainee at The Usual Place.
They will continue to gain life and work skills and experience while working towards an SVQ with a choice of professional cookery, hospitality services, retail services and facilities services.
