Something was brewing this week in Cromwell, as local teens were trained in the art of coffee.

The ‘Brew Like a Barista’ initiative had originally been scheduled for April, before lockdown caused it to be postponed.

It was meant to be a fun learning programme for teens, with a follow up fundraiser where the teens took over the café and showed off their new skills.

Lead youth worker Rhys Smith said the young people had been so enthusiastic that they had decided to run the programme, now that lockdown was over.

“It’s a confidence-building exercise, where they learn aspects of coffee making, café operations, front of house and serving customers.

“It’s also a lot of fun.”

Trish Wilson kept a close eye on young trainee Luke Casey (11) as he created a range of coffees in the café.

The programme was held in conjunction with Afix Café in Cromwell, and manager Trish Wilson said it had been a great opportunity to give young people a basic introduction into working in hospitality. She had begun the session by talking through the day to day life of a café worker, before starting the skills part of the afternoon.

“Being able to make coffees is a great skill that can carry you all around the world.

“This taster afternoon might give these young people an interest, or a future career idea.”

Cromwell Youth Trust youth worker Eden Wilson said their youth development programmes were all built around the interests of youth. ‘Brew Like a Barista’ had come about after a variety of young people had come forward expressing an interest in coffee making and café work.

“We were so appreciative to have Trish from Afix jump on board and support our programme.

“The course had to be postponed due to COVID, but all the youth were still really eager to take part two months later.”

Bjork Swain (14), Bailey Meek (14), Bianca McElhinney (12), Corbin Waugh (12), Kieran Hancock (13) and Luke Casey (11) all got to enjoy the results of their learning.

Eden said, as a youth worker, it had been awesome to see the young people so involved and excited throughout the afternoon.

And the feedback from the young learners was all positive, ranging from keen interest and enjoyment, to considering the future.

“It was cool to learn how to make the different coffees.

“It was great experience, and I loved the coffee.”

“Great experience, I learned a lot – I’d always thought about being a barista; I’m keen to investigate it a bit more.

“I learned lots about coffee; it’s a skill I can now use in the future.”

Eden said the fundraising side of the initiative and the opportunity for the young people to show off their new skills had not been lost. They would be holding a pop-up youth café at the upcoming Rotary book sale in July.

“It will be an awesome opportunity for them to showcase their newly learned skills to the local community.”

Photos supplied