Southwark People Join KERB+ Coaching for Work Programme
Three Southwark residents learnt vital skills for bar, café and logistics work on the KERB+ Coaching for Work Programme.
The four-week programme was run by KERB+, the charity arm of street food pioneers KERB, who curate the food offer at Corner Corner. Enabled by KERB and Broadwick, who operate Corner Corner, it was designed to give exposure to the hospitality industry through paid working shifts and access to training materials and a mentorship scheme.
Participants worked two seven-hour shifts per week and were paid at the London Living Wage. They had the opportunity to work across multiple stations in the venue including the kitchen porter’s room, bars, barista/café, floor team and bar support roles. They also gained kitchen experience working with Corner Corner’s street food vendors, supporting basic food prep and order management.
A dedicated team member from KERB+ was on site to work with each candidate throughout their placements on goal setting, weekly mentoring and placement reflection, helping them develop the skills they need to thrive in the workplace.
Upon successful completion of the four-week placement, candidates engaged in a coaching wrap-up session where they unpacked their experience, reflected on their progress and discussed their aspirations moving forward. This information was then used to signpost candidates to further employment and training opportunities.
Canada Water Connect, the joint venture between British Land and charity ELBA that connects people with opportunities being created by the Canada Water development, worked with KERB+ to source suitable local candidates for the scheme.
The pilot programme at Corner Corner was based on the scheme that’s already operational at KERB’s locations at Seven Dials and the National Theatre. It supports individuals from marginalised backgrounds – including refugees, care leavers and those facing challenges such as unemployment, homelessness or disability – in finding work in the food and hospitality industries, sectors that often present significant barriers to entry for such groups. Participants gain hands-on experience in bars, cafés, and logistics, supplemented by regular holistic coaching. A team member at KERB+ said: “The programme’s unique blend of pastoral care and experiential learning offers transformative results.”
Corner Corner, which opened to the public in April 2025, brings together the KERB-curated street food offer, a vertical farm by Harvest London that supplies the food hall with fresh herbs and leafy greens, and a programme of live music and DJs run by Broadwick. There’s also a café, plenty of seating and free WiFi, and anyone is free to use the space to meet friends, work remotely or just relax.
