Paper Planes Cafe
Where careers take flight. We are a cafe with a mission to train neurodiverse community members and find them meaningful paid employment.
About The Cafe
This Cafe is not just another coffee bar; it is a testament to our dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible environment. Situated in the Domestic Arrivals area on Level 2 at the Vancouver International Airport, this cafe represents a significant step forward in Pacific Autism and YVR's mission for inclusion. Its doors will be open for travellers from 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. seven days a week.
The uniqueness of this coffee bar lies in its team, which is made up of individuals with a diverse range of abilities from the neurodiverse community. These individuals will be at the helm, brewing coffee, and serving quick snacks to the millions of passengers and guests who traverse YVR's terminal, as well as the thousands of employees who call the airport home.
Our Mission
The primary goal of Paper Planes Cafe is to empower its staff by providing them with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce. Through this cafe, YVR and PAFN will offer up to six-months of training covering essential skills and expertise typical of the restaurant and service industry. This includes barista talents, food preparation, and customer service, all of which will prepare employees for a successful career in the hospitality field. Following the training, staff will also be supported in their job search in the community.
The innovative, impactful, and important partnership between YVR and PAFN began in 2021 with a shared vision to make travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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Paper Planes Café FAQ
The Paper Planes café is located at Vancouver International airport, in domestic arrivals by the baggage claim. See video of directions here.
The Paper Planes Café employment training program is a program designed specifically for our neurodiverse job seekers where they can access short term paid on the job training at Paper Planes Cafe. On the job training will be provided for food preparation, espresso machine skills, customer service and cash handing, as well as other skills necessary to work in food service.
Neurodivergent individuals who experience barriers to employment and who are interested in working in the food service industry. Prior work experience is not required but we do suggest that individuals participate in our Employment Works program to learn about various workplace soft skills. This can be done prior to or in conjunction with the Paper Planes paid training.
The program is up to 6 months of part time scheduled paid shifts at Paper Planes Cafe, with the goal to find job placements whenever trainees are ready within that timeframe.
Be 18 years of age and legally allowed to work in Canada. Open to completing Food Safe and Serving It Right certification.
We will have several intake times throughout the year. For those interested in applying for Paper Planes employment training program please fill out an application form here to add your name to the waitlist. If the form is closed, please check back later when we are accepting applicants again.
Our aim for all neurodivergent trainees is to offer tailored training, enabling them to achieve sustained success within the food and beverage industry. Upon program completion, participants will collaborate with the Employment Placement Manager to explore further employment in food service and other related industries.
Please contact the Employer Placement Manager at employmentservices@pacificautismfamily.com
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