From Café Skills to Career Confidence: North Star 180 Behind the Scenes with Boston Tea Party

Students from North Star 180 recently stepped out of the classroom and into the vibrant world of hospitality during an inspiring Foundation Day hosted by Boston Tea Party in Bath. The visit offered a behind‑the‑scenes insight into the café, giving the students the chance to explore career pathways, build confidence, and develop hands‑on employability skills in a real working environment.

From the moment they arrived, the students were welcomed as part of the team. Staff from Boston Tea Party shared insights into the wide range of roles that keep a busy café running smoothly – from front‑of‑house service and barista work to kitchen prep, management, and customer experience. For many of the young people, it was the first time they had seen how these roles connect and how varied a career in hospitality can be. 

One of the highlights of the day was the practical kitchen workshop. Guided by the experienced chef, students learned how to slice, prepare, and beautifully present avocado – an unexpectedly technical (and tasty!) skill! The students also had the chance to step behind the barista counter, where they chose, and then were taught how to make, a smoothie or milkshake from the menu. 

Throughout the day, students were encouraged to communicate clearly, work collaboratively, and step outside their comfort zones. The experience offered a valuable glimpse into the world of work, helping the students understand professional expectations, workplace behaviours, and the skills employers look for. For some, it sparked new ideas about future careers; for others, it strengthened their interest in hospitality and customer‑facing roles. We were so impressed by the growth in confidence we saw by the end of the session, and we hope the students felt proud of what they achieved and continue taking meaningful steps toward their future careers. 

A huge thank you to the fantastic team at Alfred Street Boston Tea Party for their generosity, guidance, and enthusiasm throughout the day. Their support created a welcoming and encouraging environment where students felt confident to stretch themselves, try new skills, and gain a clearer understanding of what the world of work can offer. And of course, a massive well done to the North Star 180 students for their hard work, positivity, and willingness to get stuck in – they represented themselves brilliantly. 

This activity was funded by The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.