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

ALL THE DETAILS

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).

WE’RE HIRING!
Applications open March 2nd, close on 16th. Cohort starts May 6th, goes through August 24.

APPLY NOW

PREPARATION

There are a few pieces of documentation required to prepare for the application.

You will need:

  1. A Photo ID: This includes a drivers license, passport, or other photo identification. Lost yours? Click here to learn about replacing it for FREE

  2. 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. Reach out to us with any questions.

“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