Pro Baristas Impact on Brighton's Coffee Culture
Brighton is a city that runs on coffee. Our seaside town has the highest coffee consumption per capita in the UK, which has naturally led to the highest number of coffee shops per capita too. People of Brighton are indeed obsessed with coffee!
Eight years ago, One Church Brighton, a dynamic and inclusive charity dedicated to transformative projects, launched Pro Baristas with a two-fold mission: to provide job opportunities to those in need and to address a high turnover of staff in the local coffee industry. Building upon their previous efforts supporting low-income families, youth employment services and a homeless night shelter, they recognised the pressing need for more career paths and meaningful work opportunities in the community.
Founder Ben Szobody, a former coffee blogger and self-proclaimed filter nerd, perfected his craft in his kitchen, while also roasting coffee on a small contraption in his laundry cupboard as a means to escape from his former life in the corporate world. When he settled in Brighton, he quickly immersed himself in the vibrant local coffee scene, where he witnessed firsthand the industry's persistent staff turnover. This realisation served as the driving force behind the initiative, fuelled by a simple yet compelling argument: Why not prioritise hiring individuals who face barriers and typically lack access to opportunities, over those who do not plan a long-term career in the industry?
So how do they work?
Pro Baristas unwavering commitment lies in ensuring that financial constraints should never hinder anyone from pursuing a career in coffee. Their primary focus revolves around offering accessible coffee training courses, with prices tailored to individual circumstances. For those facing unemployment or struggling to secure a career, the fees charged are minimal, providing them the best opportunity to get a foothold in the industry.
In addition to their courses, Pro Baristas also hosts free weekly drop-in sessions, open to anyone seeking to enhance their coffee-making skills. Within this welcoming and laid-back environment, experienced baristas mentor newcomers, fostering a supportive community atmosphere. These sessions not only build confidence but also provide a safe haven for individuals grappling with mental health challenges or anxiety. Particularly in the face of the pandemic, this nurturing approach has proven invaluable, guiding countless individuals towards a brighter and more hopeful future.
How is it funded?
Pro Baristas also offers valuable work experience opportunities at their Florence Road Market & Cafe, allowing participants to gain practical skills and hands-on training in a real coffee shop environment. This stems from Pro Baristas recognition of the real problem with coffee: the need to make hospitality work truly satisfying and sustainable. As a result, they actively collaborate with employers who share this understanding, working together to develop work models that effectively address this challenge. Their shared commitment paves the way for a more fulfilling and sustainable future in the industry.
Their growth plans include the development of a comprehensive super course specifically tailored for the most marginalised individuals they encounter. Their goal is to provide targeted support by addressing the unique needs and overcoming the barriers faced by these individuals.
Pro Baristas ensures the sustainability of their initiative by securing funding through providing business consultancy services, taking a comprehensive approach to support their trainees by collaborating closely with the coffee industry. These services cover various aspects within their expertise, including providing guidance on practical business management skills, coffee training, creating advancement opportunities and the importance of financial transparency.
Pro Baristas value small independent businesses acting as incubators for growth, encouraging employers to acknowledge the finite capacity within their own company and the potential for staff to transition into other areas of the industry for career development.
In addition to consultancy, Skylark Coffee, a roastery created by One Church Brighton, plays a significant role in supporting the project. Skylark was initially established to improve the supply chain and ethics within coffee production. Profits from Skylark are given to social and environmental projects, with a portion supporting Pro Baristas (Read more about Skylark here).
What's more, Pro Baristas offers experience days providing opportunities for corporate groups, hens, stags, birthdays and more to engage in immersive slow brewing sessions, check out the details here.
In just 8 years, Pro Baristas has trained over 2,000 individuals, with an average of 300 trainees each year. Their organic success speaks volumes, as they haven't needed to actively recruit or advertise, highlighting the high demand for their training programs. Their ability to attract aspiring coffee enthusiasts effortlessly showcases the widespread need for accessible and fulfilling career opportunities in the coffee industry. Their story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of inclusive training, offering hope and meaningful pathways to those eager to pursue a career in specialty coffee.
Enrol on a course: Explore the opportunity to enrol in one of Pro Baristas courses to enhance your coffee skills and knowledge.
Become a mentor: If you're an experienced barista, consider volunteering as a mentor during Pro Baristas drop-in sessions. Your guidance and support can make a difference in the lives of aspiring coffee enthusiasts.
Purchase Skylark: Support Pro Baristas mission by buying Skylark coffee. You can purchase online or choose to visit and support coffee shops that use Skylark coffee in their offerings. Not only will you be directly supporting their initiative but will also be contributing to the sustainable coffee movement!
Book an experience day: Whether it's a corporate event, hen, stag party, or birthday celebration, consider booking an experience day with Pro Baristas. Enjoy a slow brewing session and make memories while supporting their social initiative.
By taking part in these activities, you contribute to the growth and success of Pro Baristas and help create more opportunities for individuals in the coffee industry.
