A Café that is created for training

Cloud 129 is more than just a special café.

It is a training centre, a social enterprise, a community hub and a feel-good movement – they produce a coffee with purpose.

Located at 129 Adelaide Street in Maryborough, the concept of the café is for individuals who want to build confidence, participate and become an active member of the community.

Their Barista Coffee course provides a real work environment for their clients to learn real world employment skills.

Jess Lane, Innovation Manager for Community Lifestyles Agency who have set up this initiative, says the background to this forming is a heartwarming story.

“The cafe came about when we were approached by a young man with a disability- he had a goal to work in a cafe, but kept getting knocked back,” says Jess.

“Time after time, they would ask he complete an unpaid trial, but it never converted to paid work. We knew that we had to help build up his confidence, as it was absolutely shattered. “

“Fast forward 12 months, and Cloud Cafe has employed eight people with a disability, some of which have gone on to gain employment in other hospitality venues, which is always the goal!”

Community Lifestyles Agency has provided disability support since 1989, building confidence for their participants to “live their best, quality of life”.

Based in Maryborough, Community Lifestyles Agency aims to ensure that their client's have every opportunity to take on the valued roles of their choice.

“It is one thing to give a person with a disability a job, but it is even more of an achievement to have that person become so skilled and confident they progress onto a better job.”

Aspects of the core training provided by Cloud 129  include:

• Customer service
• Listening and communication skills
• Types of coffee blends
• Safety and Hygiene
• Hospitality experience

The cafe regularly hold ‘come & try’ days where anyone can come and have a go at working in a cafe to see if the hospitality is where they want opportunities. This reduces the pressure of 'having' to do a job, hopefully providing people the skills and knowledge to be successful in a hospitality role.

The course is also part of our Skill Building for Employment program and will provide the participants with core units towards a Certificate II in Hospitality.

And of course……coffees are served Monday to Friday 7am-12noon.