Work & Life Skills Training Program

Wildflyer’s Work & Life Skills Training Program hires youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who have experienced homelessness or housing instability. As an employee, baristas will work in our coffee shops for 4 months as well as participate in our independent living skills curriculum. By the end of the training program, participants will have specialty coffee knowledge and experience, will have identified and developed their personal strengths and interests, and will be equipped to take next steps towards a future of their choosing.

The Training Program hires four cohorts per year—Winter, Spring, Summer, & Fall. Employees can work at either location: Wildflyer Coffee West (Minneapolis) or Wildflyer Coffee East (St Paul).

Our application opens up two months before each cohort begins. After your application is received, one of our Program Managers will contact you to set up an interview.

How to Prepare

  • Work with your Case Manager to obtain your vital documents—you will need these!

  • Check out how our program is structured and what you can expect.

  • Think about what kind of schedule you want. We are open from 7am–5pm (6pm in the summer months), 7 days per week. The program requirement is 20hrs per week—this includes working at the cafe, workshops, classes, and meeting with your employment counselor.

RESOURCES

Youth Services Network

Services for youth including shelters, outreach workers, health and wellness, mental health, employment and more. Visit Youth Services Network!

Resources at Wildflyer Coffee

Youth Law Project: Last Thursday of the month, 10-12pm at Wildflyer Coffee (Minneapolis)

The Youth Law Project provides FREE legal advice and representation for people under the age of 18 AND people between the ages of 18 and 24 who are in high school, working with a transitional living program, or experiencing homelessness. They do not handle criminal cases but can refer you to agencies that do. Walk-ins are available or sign up for a slot ahead of time by contacting kenzie@wildflyercoffee.com.