Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship Programs by Kenya Coffee School and Westrock Coffee House

🌍🤝☕ Apprenticeship Programs by Kenya Coffee School & Westrock Coffee: Shaping the Next Generation of Coffee Leaders

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025
In a bold step to empower youth, build skills, and transform the coffee value chain from farm to cup, Kenya Coffee School has partnered with Westrock Coffee to launch dynamic apprenticeship programs that bridge the gap between education and real-world employment.

This partnership brings together Kenya’s cutting-edge coffee education and Westrock Coffee’s global industry expertise, creating powerful pathways for young people to build meaningful careers in coffee — locally and internationally.

🚀 Why Apprenticeships Matter

The coffee industry is evolving rapidly, and practical skills are more essential than ever. While classroom learning builds knowledge, apprenticeships offer hands-on, structured, and mentored experiences that prepare learners for real-world success.

For many young Kenyans, apprenticeship programs provide the first stepping stone toward sustainable employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the coffee sector.

Kenya Coffee School and Westrock Coffee are committed to:

• 🧠 Building job-ready skills through immersive practical training
• 🌱 Supporting youth employment and empowerment
• 🤝 Connecting talent with meaningful opportunities in farms, cafés, roasteries, and supply chains
• 🌍 Aligning coffee education with global standards and market demands

🧑🏽‍🎓 Program Structure

The Kenya Coffee School–Westrock Coffee Apprenticeship Program is designed to give participants comprehensive exposure across the coffee value chain:

1. ☕ Barista & Café Apprenticeships
   Apprentices train in real cafés, hotels, and hospitality settings to master barista skills, customer service, and beverage innovation.
2. 🔥 Roasting & Production Training
   Participants gain hands-on experience with modern roasting technologies — including 4A Coffee Roasters — and learn quality control, packaging, and branding.
3. 🌿 Farm & Cooperative Immersion
   Apprentices spend time on coffee farms and cooperatives to understand agronomy, harvesting, processing, and sustainability.
4. 💼 Business & Supply Chain Exposure
   Westrock Coffee brings unmatched experience in global sourcing, processing, and logistics, giving apprentices a clear view of how coffee moves from Africa to the world.
5. 🤖 Digital & Tech Integration
   Learners are introduced to digital payment systems, AI applications in coffee, POS technology, and e-commerce — ensuring they’re prepared for the future of coffee business.

🌐 Local Roots, Global Reach

This apprenticeship program is uniquely Kenyan but globally connected. Through Westrock Coffee’s international networks and Kenya Coffee School’s global recognition, top apprentices may access:

• 🌍 Exchange opportunities in roasting plants and coffee hubs abroad (USA, Europe, Middle East)
• 🧑🏽‍🏫 Mentorship from industry leaders and seasoned professionals
• 📝 Global certification pathways that make their skills recognized beyond borders

🌱 Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communities

The apprenticeship programs prioritize:

• Kenyan youth aged 18–35, especially from underserved backgrounds
• Marginalized communities and persons with disabilities through tailored training
• Job creation & entrepreneurship, not just skill building
• Alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth)

Through Barista Mtaani and community outreach, apprenticeships extend to neighborhoods and towns where opportunities are scarce — turning coffee into a vehicle for hope and economic empowerment.

🏅 Benefits of the Program

Apprentices gain:

• ✅ Professional barista & roasting certifications
• 🧰 Real industry experience in farms, cafés & factories
• 🌍 Global exposure through Westrock Coffee partnerships
• 💼 Pathways to employment or entrepreneurship
• 🌱 Personal growth, confidence & leadership development

For cafés, cooperatives, and businesses, the program provides a pipeline of skilled, passionate talent ready to drive the coffee sector forward.

📢 Join the Apprenticeship Program

✨ Kenya Coffee School x Westrock Coffee

Brewing Skills. Building Futures. Empowering Youth. ☕🌍