Volcano Coffee Works is set to launch the First Shot Fund, a new initiative designed to help young people in South London who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) take their first step towards a career in hospitality.
Launching in January 2027, the pilot programme aims to support six young people from Brixton and wider South London with practical training, coffee skills and work experience, with the opportunity to move into a funded job. The first work shadowing placements will take place at Volcano Coffee Works’ partner sites.
The initiative comes at a critical time. Office for National Statistics figures show that an estimated 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 across the UK were not in education, employment or training between April and June 2026, equivalent to 13% of this age group.*
Meanwhile, Centre for Cities analysis of 2021 Census data estimated that approximately 117,000 young Londoners were not in education, employment or training.** Alan Milburn’s Young People and Work interim review estimates the wider economic and social cost of young people being NEET at £125 billion a year.***
Hospitality also faces a challenging employment landscape. UKHospitality reports that nearly 100,000 jobs have been lost across the sector in the past two years.**** For employers, the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds has risen by approximately 26% over two years, from £8.60 an hour in April 2024 to £10.85 in April 2026.*****
The First Shot Fund aims to connect these challenges, creating a supported route into an industry that offers entry-level opportunities and long-term career potential.
Seed funded by Volcano Coffee Works and supported by £1 from every bag of First Shot coffee sold, the programme will provide participants with two weeks of training covering hospitality basics, customer service, food safety and specialist coffee skills, including Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Barista Skills Foundation training.
Participants will then complete two weeks of work shadowing at a host venue, remaining on Universal Credit throughout their training and work experience.
If a venue goes on to employ an eligible participant, the Government’s Youth Guarantee will cover basic wages for the first six months, with the First Shot Fund topping up their pay to the London Living Wage. Volcano estimates this could save a participating venue approximately £12,000 over the first six months, before taking recruitment, vetting and training costs into account. Savings will vary depending on factors including working hours and age.
Volcano is partnering with Groundwork, a federation of charities that supports communities and helps people develop the skills to access employment. Groundwork will help identify young people through Jobcentres and youth services, support them through training and assist participating venues with the Government’s Youth Guarantee.
Emma Loisel, executive chair at Volcano Coffee Works, said: “Too many young people are ready to work but lack a clear route into employment, while hospitality businesses need access to future talent. First Shot will give young people practical skills, confidence and experience, as well as the opportunity to take their first step into a paid role. At the same time, it will support venues to welcome new talent and build a stronger workforce.
“We’re proud to be investing in our local community and creating opportunities through every bag of First Shot coffee sold.”
South London hospitality businesses are invited to get involved. Cafés, restaurants, hotels, pubs and other venues can support the programme by hosting a young person for work shadowing and considering them for a role afterwards.
Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to register their interest and help create employment opportunities for young people in their local community.
To find out more about the First Shot Fund or discuss getting involved, please visit: https://volcanocoffeeworks.com/firstshot
