An innovative partnership between a Motherwell High School and a local food and drink provider has created a pathway for pupils to learn about the hospitality industry.

The partnership between Firpark Secondary and locally based ‘We Love Coffee’ has led to the launch of a new café at the school called ‘Fir-ever Food’ with a focus on local and sustainable products.

The café will sell products by 'We Love Coffee' and will give senior pupils from Firpark the opportunity to undertake fully supervised Barista training, gain industry relevant qualifications and get a feel for the demands and requirements needed in the hospitality sector.

Ian McGurk, Acting Head Teacher at Firpark said: “We are really grateful to We Love Coffee for creating this unique partnership to support the pupils in our school with their future employment skills.

“This is a great example of a local business supporting their community and on behalf of the school and I would like to say how grateful we are.

"Young people have been massively impacted by Covid-19 with disruption to their education, leisure activities and development opportunities.

"This partnership provides them with social engagement, participation, learning and skills development."

A launch event was held at the school with representatives from Supported Employment, Skills Development Scotland, Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce and North Lanarkshire's education and families service.

Paul Devanney, Director of We Love Coffee said: “As a local business, we know how important it is to be active and support the community here in Motherwell. We are proud to have entered into this partnership with the school and we are very much looking forward to helping the young people develop their talents and skills.”

Fir-ever Food Café are looking forward to welcoming customers as soon as Covid restrictions allow. Firpark School also run ‘The All Stars Community Café', at Forgewood Community Centre, every Thursday from 11.00am- 2.00pm; offering teas, coffees, cakes, soups and sandwiches.