Our Training

Training is open to young people in Ealing with special educational needs, learning disabilities and or autism, aged 16–30. We work with local colleges and partners such as Mencap to provide placements.

Participants commit to 16 hours a week for at least three months and up to a year, with shorter work experience considered on a case-by-case basis.

What will I learn?

Our training is bespoke. We work with you and your provision to set you up for success. You’ll develop both hospitality and retail skills, as well as transferable life skills that will help you at work and in everyday life.

At Mahaba Café, training means learning by doing. You’ll practise real café tasks step by step, with support from dedicated job coaches. We explain everything clearly, so you’ll understand not just what to do, but why it matters.

Technical skills you’ll learn

Customer engagement – Learning how to chat with customers, make them feel welcome and give good service in a real café setting.
Barista coffee and hot drinks making – Getting hands-on with the coffee machine to make drinks, from cappuccinos to hot chocolates.
Food preparation – Practising how to safely prepare and put together food so it looks and tastes great.
Serving snacks and drinks – Building confidence in carrying, presenting and serving food and drinks.
Using the till and understanding money – Learning how to find the different food and drinks on the till and take payments.
Cleaning – Understanding how to keep the café tidy and safe, and why cleanliness is such an important part of working in hospitality.

Work and life skills you’ll learn

Communication – Listening well and sharing your ideas clearly.
Problem solving – Finding good ways to deal with challenges when they come up.
Taking initiative – Knowing when to get started without always being asked.
Independent working – Managing tasks on your own with confidence.
Engaging with the job – Taking part fully and finding interest in what you’re doing.
Positive approach – Bringing a can-do attitude to your work.

Continuous learning

To make sure every learner is on track, we hold regular feedback and self-review sessions with job coaches and managers. This helps us celebrate progress, make adjustments when needed, and build confidence throughout the programme.

“We frequently see such dramatic improvements from our learners across our key development areas such as communication, technical skills, engagement and autonomy. It gives us enormous pride to watch our learners grow and to celebrate their achievements at our annual graduation ceremony. It is always an inspirational event, full of joy and hope for the future.”

Muriel Morgan Walckiers - Mahaba Cafe Founder

Anne Valluy Photography

Support doesn’t stop at graduation

We developed our Unlocking Employment Programme to support graduates in moving on to the right job for them. Even if training takes longer than planned, we are here to help.

Post-training support includes:

The opportunity to work towards accredited Level 2 Food Safety and Health and Safety qualifications and an Artisan Coffee School Certificate
Interview and CV preparation with job coaches
Help finding job opportunities with our employment partners and local business network

Employing our graduates

Are you a local business looking for motivated, job-ready staff? Mahaba Café graduates bring skills, commitment and fresh energy to the workplace. Many have already secured roles in retail, hospitality and the charity sector across Ealing, making a positive impact from day one.

Inclusive employers not only strengthen their teams but also lead the way in opening up opportunities for talented young people with learning disabilities and autism. Working with Mahaba Café gives you access to a unique pool of candidates who are trained, supported and ready to contribute.

Mahaba Café graduates make a valuable contribution to any business. Contact us at info@mahabacafe.org to find out how we can connect you with the right candidate for your workplace.

“I was so impressed by Mahaba Café’s learner, Austin, that I offered him a permanent job. He is now an exceptional member of staff – diligent, hard-working and a pleasure to be around. His training at Mahaba Café has truly paid off, and I’m delighted to have him as part of my team.”

Miguel Morales, Reineta Café, Ealing