The Oberstown mobile coffee van project, funded by the Dormant Accounts Fund, became operational early in 2023 and quickly established itself as a highly popular feature of campus life for staff and young people alike. The project provides young people with on-campus education, skills development and work experience that will improve their future job prospects.

Under the direction of qualified catering staff, young people work on setting up the van and serving customers (staff from all over the campus) from 11am to 2pm three days a week. This experience enhances the young people’s communication and interpersonal skills in a customer service setting. It also gives them practical experience and understanding of food preparation and an insight into how a small catering business works.

The coffee van is an opportunity for young people to use their training as baristas and knowledge of the coffee industry, gained through Oberstown’s partnership with coffee company Java Republic. The Oberstown coffee van business is run in partnership with Java Republic, with the company donating supplies and specialist expertise to the venture.

Young people train in the coffee van business over a four-month period. In 2023, twelve young people worked in the coffee van, with two of them gaining employment in catering roles on leaving Oberstown. Java Republic provided 12 barista training courses for 24 young people in 2023.

_{Coffee connects – Named ‘Banging Sandwiches’ following suggestions from staff and young people, the coffee van has had a major impact on Campus life. It quickly became established as a social hub for staff taking a break, bringing together colleagues from diverse roles and teams who may not normally see each other during the working day. For the young people working in the coffee van, it brings opportunities to interact with new people on Campus.}

_{The coffee van was used for special occasions on Campus in 2023, including Gaisce – The President’s Award ceremonies, an event to mark the end of Professor Ursula Kilkelly’s term as Chairperson of the Board, and Christmas celebrations. Java Republic is a key supporter of the coffee project, donating skills training and supplies.}