Beath High School partnered with Exxonmobil to introduce the Beath Barista programme, a hands-on hospitality course designed to provide students with practical learning experiences and a Barista Level 5 vocational qualification.
Understanding the importance of skill-based education, Exxonmobil fully funded the programme’s equipment, including a coffee machine, grinder, coffee cart, staff training, crockery, and more, ensuring students have access to industry-standard resources.
In preparation for the launch of the project, the pupils created a bespoke menu and purchased thank you gifts for Exxonmobil staff involved in supporting the programme. They also baked biscuits and scones and had them available on the day.
Pupils worked with the Home Economics department to learn how to make the different types of coffees and latte art. They have also been completing the REHIS hygiene certificate and learning how to bake different types of cakes and biscuits.
On the day of the launch, Exxonmobil and STV staff attended and got to sample a selection of coffees and spoke with pupils about their course. Exxonmobil staff recieved traning on how to make the perfect coffee from the Beath baristas. The pupils also took on roles of waiting staff and kitchen porters in providing the full cafe experience. The pupils helped lead on the day taking on the roles of baristas and waiting staff.
Beath High School are hoping to secure more funding to purchase a second portable machine that can be used for a variety of school and community events. Starting with a trip in the new year to Exxonmobil’s plant to serve coffee to the staff there.
Outcome
Beath High School delivered the barista programme with the group of 20 pupils completing the course in their curricular time. Pupils achieved two level 5 NPA’s in Barista and Bakery at the end of the programme.
Conclusion
Pupils will achieve level 5 NPA’s in Barista and Bakery at the end of the programme.
Feedback
Aimee Anwender, an S6 student at Beath High School, shared her enthusiasm:
“This is a brilliant opportunity for myself and my classmates and we’ve really enjoyed learning in a practical environment so far. The course opens up so many opportunities for us and helps us develop essential skills as we prepare for the workforce. It feels like a hugely positive step towards our futures—one coffee at a time.”
Lorraine Thomson, DYW Co-ordinator at Beath High School, highlighted the programme’s broader impact:
“We are excited to see the programme not only serve as a learning platform but also as a springboard for our students into part-time employment and future careers in hospitality. This support from FEP is invaluable, and we look forward to the positive outcomes it will bring to our students and the wider community.”
“As a local employer, we understand the challenges young people face in gaining the skills needed to progress in their careers. We’re proud to support Beath High School with this initiative and we are committed to investing in local education. By working together, we can help create more opportunities for the next generation.” said Toby Hamblin, Plant Manager at Exxonmobil/ Fife Ethylene Plant.
“We’re proud to support Beath High School with this initiative and we are committed to investing in local education. By working together, we can help create more opportunities for the next generation.”
