Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a barista volunteer, serving food and drinks while creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Company: WHALE Arts is a vibrant community arts centre in Wester Hailes, dedicated to local engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunch, travel expense claims, and comprehensive training in barista skills and food hygiene.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in customer service and food preparation while being part of a friendly team.
- Qualifications: A friendly personality, good communication skills, and a passion for food and community are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; perfect for students looking to gain experience in the catering industry.
Location: WHALE Arts Centre, 30 Westburn Grove, EH14 2SA
Hours of Volunteering (6h): Tuesdays, 9am-3pm (January 2025)
The Pod Café is a vibrant community café located within WHALE Arts, a community arts centre in the heart of Wester Hailes. After re-opening in August, we are now looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us make the café a warm, welcoming space for everyone in the local area. As a café volunteer, you’ll be at the heart of our community space, helping to prepare food and hot drinks, and providing a welcoming experience for our customers. You’ll gain hands-on experience in customer service, food preparation, and barista skills, all while being part of a friendly and dedicated team.
The café is currently open every Tuesday 10:30am – 2pm, with the shift giving time either side for set up and clear up. We are open and flexible for the role to be shared between different people who may want to split the shift or work alternative weeks.
Requirements:
- A friendly and engaging personality with good communication skills.
- Good time management and commitment to the role.
- Being comfortable working with members of the public and being able to provide good customer service.
- Interest in food and communities.
- Complying with Health & Safety standards, strict hygiene procedures, and food safety laws (training will be provided).
Duties:
- Providing friendly and efficient service, including taking orders, processing payments, and serving food and drinks.
- Assisting with food and drink preparation, including making coffees and other beverages.
- Maintaining cleanliness in the café, including washing up, clearing tables, and general cleaning tasks.
- Supporting with stock rotation and other kitchen-related tasks.
Training:
- Full training for this role and an induction into the organisation will be given.
- Barista training.
- Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate training will be paid for by the organisation to fulfil the role.
This is a good opportunity to gain experience in the catering industry within a supportive environment.
Expenses:
All volunteers are entitled to claim reasonably incurred travel expenses, whilst carrying out their role. Lunch is provided from the café.
Boundaries of Role:
To work within WHALE Arts policies and procedure for GDPR and confidentiality.
To apply for the role or for further information please contact WHALE Arts.
Community Café Volunteer (Barista) Opportunity employer: WHALE Arts
Contact Detail:
WHALE Arts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Café Volunteer (Barista) Opportunity
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with WHALE Arts and the Pod Café. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the community and demonstrate your enthusiasm during any interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the local community before applying. Attend events or visit the café to meet staff and volunteers, which can give you insights into the role and show your commitment to being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your customer service skills in conversations. Since this role involves direct interaction with the public, sharing past experiences where you've provided excellent service can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your interest in food and community work. Showing genuine passion for these areas can resonate well with the team and demonstrate that you're a good fit for the café's atmosphere.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Café Volunteer (Barista) Opportunity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Community Café Volunteer position. Highlight key skills such as customer service, communication, and time management in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, especially any previous volunteer work or roles in customer service. Emphasise your friendly personality and ability to work with the public, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the community. Explain why you want to volunteer at WHALE Arts and how you can contribute to creating a welcoming café environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is important for a role involving customer interaction.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHALE Arts
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your passion for community work and your eagerness to contribute to the café. A friendly and engaging personality is key, so let your enthusiasm shine through during the interview.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any previous experience in customer service, food preparation, or working in a café environment, be sure to mention it. Even if it's informal, sharing these experiences can demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Good Communication Skills
Since the role involves interacting with the public, showcase your communication skills. Practice answering questions clearly and confidently, and think of examples where you've successfully engaged with customers or worked as part of a team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the café and its community impact. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can best contribute to the team and the local area.
