Staff and pupils have been enjoying a warm cuppa or a cooling iced latte thanks to a small team of barista stars of the Garnock Valley Cafe.
Since August the hard-working team of pupils at the cafe have been learning all about customer service, running a small business and of course how to make delicious drinks too.
Leading the team is Ayrshire College lecturer Claire Anderson who has over 12 years experience teaching pupils in Ayrshire about the hospitality industry.
And she is enjoying her first year at Garnock Community Campus.
“These pupils have really grown, in both confidence with their skills making drinks and serving the public but also in their attitude to working in a small business,” said Claire.
“We started off by learning about hygiene and food allergies and then we focused on barista skills, and they are all doing a brilliant job.
“Now, the pupils are finding their roles in the cafe they enjoy from being manager for the day to customer service and managing specialty drinks.”
One such pupils is S5 Daniel Barron-Wardrop who looks forward to his Wednesday session in the cafe.
He said: “I like doing everything from washing the dishes to taking orders and meeting the teachers when I deliver the drinks, everyone seems to love what we serve and it makes me feel proud to be part of this.”
Garnock Community Campus is also the first school to offer card payments too and this was something Claire was delighted about.
“This has made a huge difference and really gives the barista team the sense of what it is like in a cafe out with school, it is very handy for staff and for people popping in to use the KA facilities.
“I would be proud to see any of the team go on and work in the hospitality industry, they are amazing and I am enjoying watching them grow.”
Watch this space too for a special smoothie and milkshake event before the year ends – look out for a News Desk exclusive as soon as the date is confirmed by the Garnock Valley Coffee crew.
