Programmes to Build Confidence, Skills and Independence - and Gain Experience
Structured ways to grow, learn and gain real-life experience at your own pace
Learn and Grow in The Usual Place Cafe
Aged 14 – 26? At The Usual Place, we understand that every young person has a unique journey, shaped by their own experiences, strengths and challenges. We’re here to walk alongside you, offering opportunities in our cafe and kitchen that are thoughtfully tailored to your personal development.
From introductory work experience to structured training and qualifications we work with young people who need additional support, at their own pace, focusing on strengths and making reasonable adjustments as appropriate.
Our Skills Academy, Early Enablement programmes, and Employer‑Ability Mentorship offer real‑world experience, accredited qualifications, and the personal skills needed to be resilient and effective in employment, education, and citizenship.
You can get in touch with us directly, or ask someone to refer you.
Our Programmes
We offer a range of programmes for young people aged 14-26 years through various stages and transitions.
SCHOOLS PROGRAMME 1
S3 Developing the Young Workforce Employers Partnership
Who Can Join?
- Groups of three S3 students, not necessarily with ASN.
- Schools refer students through our Early Enablement team.
- Up to 12 students per school per year (4 blocks).
- Open to all D&G Schools
Timescales
- 3 hours per week, over a 6-week block.
What Students Gain:
- Confidence and communication skills.
- Experience in a real working environment in both main cafe and kitchen
- Insight into the value of teamwork in a diverse setting.
- A Certificate at the end of their work experience
SCHOOLS PROGRAMME 2
Individual Work Experience Tailored placements for S4-S6 pupils transitioning from school to work
Who Can Join?
- S4-S6 students (ages 15-18) with Additional Support Needs transitioning from school to work.
- Schools refer students through our Early Enablement team.
Timescales
- 1 day per week for 2 terms or a full school year.
What Students Gain:
- Practical experience in Front of House and kitchen roles.
- A chance to explore their interests in a supportive, hands-on environment.
- An optional transition into Introduction To Hospitality Programme upon leaving school.
- A Certificate at the end of their work experience
Introduction to Hospitality Training Programme
The perfect starting point for young people aged 17-25 with additional support needs. Begin your journey!
Who Can Join?
- Young people aged 17-25
- Can self refer
- Can be referred through SDS, Volunteering Matters, Social Work, NHS, or other organizations.
Timescales
- 1 day per week for minimum 12 weeks
Programme Overview
- Tailored to individual needs and goals.
- Hands-on experience in both Front of House and Kitchen roles.
- Choose to focus on Front of House or Kitchen Skills for second half of the programme
- Includes The Usual Place: Food, Health & Hygiene Course with certificate
- Includes The Usual Place: Money Matters Course with certificate
- Guidance from mentors who step back as confidence grows.
What's Next?
- Progress tracked using "Outcome Stars" leads to new opportunities, including SVQ training and Employer-Ability Mentorship
SVQ TRAINING PROGRAMME
For those ready to take their skills to the next level, our SVQ qualification opens the door to future employment opportunities. Pathway to accredited qualifications!
Who Can Join?
- Trainees Usually complete our Introduction to Hospitality Programme before committing to SVQ
Timescales
- Average 18 months
- 16 hours per week over 2 days per week
Programme Details:
- SVQ in Hospitality Services level 4
- SVQ in Professional Cookery level 5
- Completion of 8 modules (average 18 months).
- Adapted workbooks and assessment formats
- Option to include Includes The Usual Place: Food, Health & Hygiene Course with certificate
- Option to include Includes The Usual Place: Money Matters Course with certificate
- Individual Mentorship and training
What Trainees Gain:
- Recognised qualifications to boost employability.
- Continued support to transition into paid employment.
Employer-Ability Mentorship
Individual mentorship to support ambitions and move into employment through CV building, Application Completion and in-work support for transition into sustainable employment. Opportunities to meet employers, work experience, placements, volunteering opportunities and exploring ways to achieve individual ambitions.
Who can join?
- Young People coming to the end of a Usual Place Programme
- Young people who have trained at The Usual Place who are looking for employment or citizenship opportunities
- Young people who have trained at The Usual Place who have some employment experience and want support to make this more sustainable.
Individual mentorship can include
- Support with job application completion
- Support with CV Writing
- Support with identifying job or volunteering opportunities
- CV building through our developmental experiences programme
- In-work mentorship to support the transition into employment for both the employee and employer
- Support with identifying and arranging work experience placements
Developmental Experiences
Opportunities to build CV and broaden experience at The Usual Place and and take part in events at The Usual Place and beyond... Examples from previous young people's journeys include:
Recruitment Fayres and Meeting Employers
- Attend with representatives of The Usual Place
- Optional Involvement in Talks and Fireside Chats
- Opportunities to meet employers and see different workplaces
Work Experience
- Opportunities to gain work experience in different settings
Advocacy
- Opportunities to use your voice to improve the lives of young people
Events
- Opportunities to be part of our events teams
- Opportunities to experience a range of events
Other Relevant Experiences
- Opportunities to expand your experiences through the work and connections at The Usual Place
Youth Forum at The Usual Place
A chance for all young people learning at The Usual Place to get together each month to provide feedback to Mentors, get together socially and to meet with external experts on subjects of their choosing
The Usual Place Alumni
COMING SOON: A new initiative where graduates and former trainees or volunteers can keep in touch with The Usual Place for meet ups in our Cafe
Ready to Transform Lives?
Teacher?
Parent/Carer? Young person?
Interested in discussing our programmes?
We'd love to hear from you!