The pandemic has shown us that the food services sector is essential to the livelihoods of many and the survival of the rest of us. Without chefs and baristas whipping up our favourite croissants and coffee, there would be no cafe hopping on weekends, just hopping.
If you count such people as your everyday heroes and want to follow in their footsteps, then here’s your chance to better understand the burgeoning industry. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fresh graduate looking for work experience or someone seeking a mid-career switch, the food services sector has multiple training and job opportunities to suit various skill sets.
From 8th – 10th September, Lifelong Learning Institute is teaming up with Starbucks for a Learning Cafe where you’ll be able to upskill and find job opportunities in the F&B industry.
If it’s your first foray into F&B and you’re not sure what skills you can pick up, try your hand at workshops conducted at the Learning Cafe at the Lifelong Learning Institute Bistro, an ongoing series of seminars during the event. There’s more to the food services sector than just waitering or cooking, and these workshops will open your eyes to potential learning opportunities.
Image credit: @starbucks_chimalhuacan
Becoming a barista, for example, takes more than just being able to push buttons on a machine. Appreciate the complexities and nuances in different coffee beans with the Coffee Sensory Experience Workshop.
Kopi brewing
Image credit: Yong Seng Coffee
Then learn about the skills required to be a multi-faceted barista in the School of Coffee Workshop. You’ll be trained into a Barista 4.0 well-equipped to brew consistently great cups of both gourmet-style cappuccinos and local kopi.
The workshops aren’t just for novices. Those that own F&B businesses can pick up a tip or two on how some F&B succeed in this highly competitive industry in Singapore. Otherwise, get ideas on how to start or grow a home-based business for baked goods with workshops from Creative Culinaire.
The Learning Cafe at Lifelong Learning Institute Bistro
Location: Lifelong Learning Institute, 11 Eunos Road 8, Level 1 Bistro, Singapore 408601
Date: 8th – 10th September 2021
Regular Starbucks patrons will know that the crew like adding personal touches whenever they serve you. Remembering regular orders, personalising cups with a smiley face and anticipating needs, like getting you an extra bag to hold multiple cups of coffee is the extra mile customer service that Starbucks is now known for.
Image credit: @jaccityes
There’s no denying that customer service is of utmost importance in any F&B business, but you can learn more about how Starbucks does it differently at the Starbucks Experience Zone at the Learning Cafe.
Image credit: Starbucks Singapore
Hear from baristas about their working experience at Starbucks, and how they’re encouraged to pursue lifelong learning, which gives them opportunities to hone their craft. Some have even graduated from the Starbucks Coffee Master programme to become champion baristas in regional competitions.
It can be overwhelming to know where to start when finding a career in the F&B sector. But uncertainties over whether you have the right skills and where you might be able to work will all be answered at the free onsite personalised consultation.
At the Learning Cafe itself, speak personally with SkillsFuture Singapore’s Skills Ambassadors, training providers, as well as NTUC’s e2i Career Coaches on what you can do for career progression within the industry. You’ll be able to gain insights on the skills that are in demand and the types of jobs available in F&B. The Starbucks’ recruitment team will also be around to advise interested candidates on how to land a job with the coffee chain. You can also sign up for courses at the Starbucks Global Academy and MySkillsFuture portal.
If these activities and opportunities are right up your alley, head down to the Learning Cafe for a chance to grab goodies or win a Starbucks workshop.
At the Learning Cafe, complete any three activities onsite to redeem an exclusive reusable cup. Your new cups won’t just save the earth from one-use plastic, you’ll also be able to enjoy $1 off your favourite beverages at Starbucks PLQ Mall from 8th – 10th September.
Win a goodie bag containing a metal straws kit, reusable mask, exclusive tumbler, notebook and pen when you participate in the Learning Cafe’s social media giveaway.
Two participants will also be able to win a special 1-hour Reserve Coffee Tasting session with Starbucks and a goodie bag when you head down to the Learning Cafe event from 8th – 10th September. Take photos of yourself at the event, then upload the photos along with what you’ve learnt onto Instagram or Facebook. Do remember to tag the Lifelong Learning Institute and hashtag #StarbucksxLLIcontest in order to participate.
For industries like the food services sector, upgrading your skills doesn’t just help you remain employable. It is an effective way to progress upward in your career too. And at the Starbucks x Lifelong Learning Institute Learning Cafe, you’ll be able to find your match in where to head to next in your career.
The event isn’t just for job opportunities, of course. With the multitude of workshops and training providers available, you might just be able to pick up a new skill or two.
Starbucks x Lifelong Learning Institute Learning Cafe
Location: 10 Paya Lebar Road, Paya Lebar Quarter Plaza (PLQ Plaza), Singapore 409057
Date: 8th – 10th September 2021
Time: 10AM-7.30PM
This post was brought to you by the Lifelong Learning Institute.
Cover image adapted from: @bakersbrewstudio, @starbucks_chimalhuacan and TheSmartLocal.
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