Futures Curriculum

As part of the Futures Curriculum, Barista Training offers pupils the opportunity to gain a practical, industry-relevant skill that can open doors to immediate employment. Developed in partnership with Parliament Square Coffee and delivered by the Parliament Square Coffee  Academy in Liverpool, the course equips pupils with the knowledge and confidence to step into roles in cafés, hospitality venues, hotels,  or even cruise ships – anywhere coffee is served. The Futures Curriculum is built on the belief that all pupils should leave school with essential life skills – known at Witherslack Group as Power Skills: communication, creativity & innovation, data literacy, organisation, teamwork, and working independently. Barista  Training is one of several employer-led modules designed to showcase the breadth of career opportunities available while embedding transferable skills for life.

Parliament Square Coffee have been a long-standing supporter of the Futures programme, delivering in-school ambassador sessions  across the country. Recognising the need for young people to leave school with tangible, employable skills, Parliament Square worked with our Futures Team to design and deliver the Barista Training course from scratch. Parliament Square Coffee not only developed the programme but also created a dedicated training space at their Liverpool academy.  The team’s industry expertise, sector credibility, and professional network have been invaluable in shaping a high-quality learning experience. 

The training combined hands-on, practical experience with engaging theory sessions. Pupils learned to:

•  Weigh and grind coffee beans
•  Pull the perfect espresso shot
•  Create latte art
•  Operate tills and process payments
•  Serve hot and cold drinks
•  Deliver excellent customer service
•  Work effectively as part of a team
•  Apply health & safety standards

Once pupils mastered the basics in the academy, they moved upstairs to the working coffee shop, where they served real customers - a powerful and confidence-building experience.

The first training sessions in July 2025 saw 29 pupils from 6 schools take part, with many having diagnoses of Autism, ADHD, or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. These pupils often face additional barriers to employment, including limited employer understanding of neurodiversity and low self-confidence. The programme’s highly practical approach, respectful treatment of pupils as young adults, and focus on real-world application helped to break down these barriers. As one school reflected: "What an opportunity for our pupils! Parliament Square were great, and the experience was a real insight for our pupils. We had some real baristas by the end of it!"

•    29 pupils trained across 6 schools
•    100% of participants completed the course and received a certificate of participation
•    All pupils will have the training added to their CVs and receive tailored interview coaching from their allocated Talent Manager and Futures Lead
•    Strong school and parent feedback, with one parent sharing: My son just started working today at a local farm shop café as he got the job due to him doing a barista training course with school, which we are truly thankful for.

Looking ahead, pupils who showed particular aptitude will be offered the chance to complete a 3-day internationally recognised qualification through the Parliament Square Coffee Academy.

In 2024, we partnered with Site Path, an innovative training provider with a shared commitment to inclusive opportunity. Together, we have launched a first-of-its-kind, fully virtual CSCS Green Card and construction training programme, purpose-built for SEN students preparing to transition into the workforce.

While the UK construction industry presents a wealth of opportunity - particularly in light of current government infrastructure and home-building initiatives - many of our pupils have historically been unable to access these careers. The absence of a direct, inclusive pathway into essential site qualifications, like the CSCS Green Card and NPORS or CMPE certifications, has contributed to a clear barrier to entry for many young people. Initial attempts to engage with mainstream training centres proved inflexible, inaccessible, and ultimately unfit for the complex logistics and diverse support needs of our students.

Recognising the potential for change, we worked with Site Path to explore new delivery models. Unlike other providers, Site Path understood our students from day one. Their dual expertise as an educator and programme designer  made them a natural fit. Their passion for dismantling structural barriers and dedication to learner centred delivery have been instrumental in the partnership’s early success 

Drawing on the shared experience  as both educational providers and advocates for SEN learners, Site Path researched and consulted with the CSCS governing body, and reimagined the delivery framework.

The result? The UK’s first completely virtual, trainer-led CSCS Green Card training course - designed from the ground up with SEN learners in mind.

This visionary partnership is built on joint service delivery:

• Witherslack Group identifies and supports eligible students aged 16+, across both current student and alumni cohorts.
• Site Path delivers bespoke online training and supports pupils through the qualification and testing process.

Not only does this model remove barriers to access, but it also provides a scalable and learner-friendly solution that prioritises confidence, inclusion, and real-world readiness.

The first virtual session launched with 14 young people in attendance and upon completion of the training and examination the course realised a 100% pass rate. These newly qualified young people will now be supported by our Futures Talent Managers in securing employment or apprenticeships within the construction industry. An additional 31 pupils are already signed up for the next sessions, and the early momentum suggests the model is both impactful and highly replicable.

Our ambition is bold: to make this programme a national standard for accessible construction training in SEN settings. Together, WG Futures and Site Path are committed to:

• Growing participation across the country
• Strengthening long-term career outcomes for our young people
• Redefining what inclusive pathways into industry can, and should, look like

The WG Futures and Site Path partnership is more than a response to a challenge - it is a proactive reimagining of what’s possible. For our pupils, it offers not just qualifications, but hope, empowerment, and a meaningful first step into their future.