SKILLS BOOTCAMPS ARE TRANSFORMING HOSPITALITY FUTURES

‘Leaders create a positive, inclusive culture in which learners, many of whom face complex barriers to learning, can thrive.’ 

This comment is from a recent OFSTED inspection and highlights a dynamic project underway in the regional hospitality sector right now. At its centre is Barfection, led by managing director Thomas Nolan. 

Back in 2009, Thomas was running a small events business; today, he’s delivering hospitality training on an industrial scale. It’s difficult to miss when graduates from Barfection’s Skills Bootcamps are achieving and remaining in employment at a rate that is 50% higher than the UK national average. 

Hospitality roots

Thomas’s journey began behind the bar; he worked at several bars and restaurants in the Liverpool area, developing a rounded understanding of the industry. He says:

“My cocktail masterclasses were in demand, and kept me busy for a long time. But by 2017, I realised how people seemed to just stumble into hospitality. 

“Professional training for bar tending, being a barista, or stepping up as a supervisor was virtually non-existent. So I had a vision of turning Barfection into a training company. My goal remains the same today: to raise industry standards and set people on a career path.”

Success rate

Over the last 12 months, in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Barfection has trained almost 200 people through its Skill Bootcamps.  More than 70% of participants of the most recent training wave are now employed. 

Thomas explains:

“Everyone who did our previous training programme with us achieved a job or got a promotion as a result. We are still working with the most recent course participants to place them in roles, but we have already surpassed the 66% national average for positive results. And we’re nowhere near finished yet! We run a recruitment resource alongside the bootcamps, and the Barfection team is confident we’ll mirror the previous success rate.”

Fast track to employment

The short, intensive, government-funded Skills Bootcamps fast-track people into employment or career progression. The skills acquired in the courses match employer requirements. 

Barfection delivers several Skills Bootcamps tailored to different stages of a hospitality career:

• Hospitality Horizons (Level 3) – for aspiring supervisors and leaders. This programme is designed for those ready to step up, focusing on leadership, team motivation, day-to-day operations, and inclusive workplace culture. Learners also gain insight into recruitment, onboarding, and how to build resilient, high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.
• Rise & Grind (Level 2) – a barista-focused programme. Perfect for those entering the industry, it covers everything from espresso extraction and milk texturing to customer service, upselling, and working efficiently during busy shifts, with real-world café experience built in.
• ShakeStart (Level 2) – cocktail bartending and mixology. This hands-on course teaches bar setup, cocktail creation, and service techniques, alongside essential skills such as customer engagement, product knowledge, and the ability to deliver memorable guest experiences behind the bar.

All courses blend accredited learning with hands-on experience, ensuring learners leave job-ready.

Recruitment reimagined

Barfection works with both individuals and businesses. Duke Street Market, for example, has put several of its staff through the Hospitality Horizons supervisory training, for which they contribute 10% of the training cost. 

The firm has also recently hired two Skills Bootcamp graduates. One of them, Sebastian, shared his experience:

“I didn’t know if hospitality was for me. But the bootcamp has helped me find a job I am proud of, develop skills I can build on, and set career goals for the future. The training has sparked my vision for developing a career in hospitality.”

Sebastian is living proof of how employers benefit from access to motivated, trained candidates ready to hit the ground running. 

Building inclusive futures

A key part of Barfection’s success is its commitment to inclusivity. Many learners face barriers to employment, whether that’s a lack of experience, confidence, or opportunity. The Skills bootcamp model is designed to break down those barriers.

“We recruit differently, and that’s intentional,” Thomas says. ‘We don’t just fill vacancies. We invest in people, build their skills, and support them into roles where they can thrive long-term.”

This approach is also helping address wider industry challenges, particularly skills shortages in hospitality. By proactively expanding into local areas like the Wirral and Southport, Barfection is connecting more people with opportunities to work for local businesses.

Looking ahead

With plans for future training programmes already in motion, Barfection shows no signs of slowing down. Nearly half of the participants on the most recent course have come from across the wider City Region, not just Liverpool, highlighting growing demand and the potential for expansion.

For Thomas, the mission remains clear:

“Hospitality gave me my start, and I’m passionate about giving that same opportunity to others. If we can help someone find their confidence, their career, and their place in the industry, that equals success.”

From cocktails to coffee, and from entry-level roles to leadership positions, Barfection’s Skills Bootcamps are proving that with the right training and support, careers in hospitality can truly thrive.