Workplace training

The Workplace Training program gives volunteers the opportunity to develop valuable employment skills, increase their engagement in the community, and experience personal leadership and growth. Middle school apprentices, high school interns, and volunteers of all ages gain experience that makes them better candidates for college or employment elsewhere.

Volunteers at the Coffeehouse Bookstore learn:

• soft skills, including customer service, communications, team-building, time-management, and accountability.
• how to apply classroom learning to real-world experience.
• basic food handling skills and safety measures.
• industry standards for the preparation of espresso drinks.
• retail sales, money-handling, and business management skills.
• critical thinking.
• the value of community service.

Training each volunteer costs an average of $600 in staff time and materials, and it takes 60 to 70 volunteers per week to run the Coffeehouse Bookstore.

To participate in the Workplace Training program or to volunteer at the Commons, please fill out and bring in this application. Orientation takes place weekly and training is ongoing.