Work & Life Skills Training Program
4-month program that uniquely combines paid employment in our coffee shops with comprehensive on-the-job skills training
You are welcome here.
Wildflyer’s Work & Life Skills Training Program hires youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who have experienced homelessness or housing instability.
We work to ensure everyone on staff - including our program participants - have a place to belong.
APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR SUMMER 2026
EMPLOYMENT
HOURS: 20 hr/week
PAY: $16.37/ hour plus tips
While learning the ins and outs of working at a coffee shop, you’ll work a variety of shifts:
ON THE FLOOR: Working in the cafe on the register, on the bar, and learning hard skills
WORKSHOPS: Weekly trainings with your full cohort that focus on soft skills like financial wellness
ONE ON ONE: Weekly 1:1 job coaching with your Program Lead
APPLICATION
We have three different cohorts: Winter, Summer, and Fall.
We hire for these about two months prior to the start of the cohort.
Employees can work at either location: Wildflyer Coffee West (Minneapolis) or Wildflyer Coffee East (St Paul).
PREPARATION
There are a few pieces of documentation required to prepare for the application.
You will need:
A Photo ID: This includes a drivers license, passport, or other photo identification. Lost yours? Click here to learn about replacing it for FREE
Your Social Security Card: We absolutely need this for employment purposes. You can request a new card for FREE. Click here to learn how.
Wondering if this program is for you?
Wildflyer’s definition of homelessness is more expansive than the state:
Anyone who is experiencing housing instability (couch hopping, living in their car, temporary shelter home, sleeping at a friends, etc) is eligible for our program.
Still not sure? That’s A-okay.
“Working at wildflyer’s like walking through shade for a really long time . . .and then you get to a part where there’s a break in the trees and there’s just sunlight shining on you.”
- COHORT MEMBER