Work Placement at Gosforth Civic Theatre Cafe
Real work experience in a public cafe
Our Work Placement Programme gives young neurodivergent people and young people with learning disabilities aged 16–25 the opportunity to work as part of the café team at Gosforth Civic Theatre.
Working alongside experienced staff and mentors, trainees develop practical workplace skills while helping to welcome the thousands of people who visit our café and theatre every year.
About Our Work Placement Programme
Support on Every Shift: Every placement is supported with mentors who work alongside our trainees, ensuring they feel confident and valued as essential team members.
Learn in a real workplace: From learning barista techniques to developing customer service skills, our trainees gain hands-on experience across every aspect of cafe operations.
Skills for work and beyond: Alongside practical hospitality skills, trainees develop confidence, communication and teamwork that can support future employment and greater independence.
Why We Do It
Our cafe is more than a place to learn hospitality skills. It's part of a busy building where audiences, artists, families, café regulars and local people come together every day. Supported work placements give young people the chance to build experience, take responsibility and become part of the team that keeps that welcome going.
What Our Trainees Learn
Barista Skills:
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Espresso extraction
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Milk steaming techniques
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Coffee menu knowledge
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Beverage preparation
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Food Safety & Preparation:
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Preparing and serving food and drinks
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Professional kitchen organisation
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Food Hygiene qualification
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Allergen awareness
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Food safety protocols
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Customer Service:
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Welcoming customers
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Using the till system
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Taking customer orders
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Creating positive customer experiences
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Workplace Essentials:
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Stock replenishment
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Health and safety procedures
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Teamwork
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Professional conduct
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Personal Development:
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Increased confidence
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Improved social skills
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Developed communication skills
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Understanding how to work safely
Your Journey With Us
Placements run for a minimum of 12 weeks and up to 52 weeks, following the academic year from September to July. Typical shifts are 9am–3pm.
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As confidence grows, trainees take on increasing responsibility while continuing to work alongside experienced staff and mentors.
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Successful completion of the programme can help open doors to employment. We continue to support trainees as they move into work with inclusive employers.
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Before you start
Before joining the programme, we'll invite you to Gosforth Civic Theatre for an informal chat.
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This gives us the opportunity to get to know you, understand your interests and goals, and make sure the cafe is the right placement for you.
How Much Does It Cost?
This programme is fee based. Fee based programmes can be funded through either a young person’s education and health care plan, or direct payments / personal budget. You can find out more about this from your college transitions officer or your local social work team.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Please contact rebecca@gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk to learn more about our Work Placement Programme.