LONDON, UK – De’Longhi announces a strategic partnership with Well Grounded, the award-winning social enterprise dedicated to empowering the UK’s unemployed through sustainable careers in the coffee industry. As the coffee industry faces a dual challenge: a significant increase in long-term unemployment and a shortage of local talent, a new solution is urgently needed. This is made evident with the number of long-term unemployed individuals up by 35% and employers struggling to fill vacancies.
In light of this, Well Grounded and De’Longhi have come together with the aim to help address these issues by providing robust training and employment opportunities, ultimately contributing to the industry’s growth and resilience.
“This unique partnership showcases what can be achieved when we work together to ignite a passion for coffee in people”, says Sonja Wittenberg, Chief Commercial Officer of Well Grounded,
“Well Grounded is excited to start this new collaboration with De’Longhi, helping us transform more lives through our employability programmes and launch the careers of a new generation of coffee professionals.”
Since its launch in 2016, Well Grounded has been at the forefront of driving social change by equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the dynamic coffee industry. Their vision of fostering a socially and economically flourishing community is realised through unique training programs, work placements, and ongoing career support.
De’Longhi, renowned for its innovation and excellence in coffee machines, perfectly aligns with Well Grounded’s mission. Together, they address the pressing challenges faced by the coffee industry, exacerbated by the pandemic and Brexit. The partnership will enhance Well Grounded’s ability to provide opportunities for skilled, passionate, and committed individuals to grow, while also helping to bridge the talent gap in the coffee sector.
Lee Bonniface, De’Longhi Managing Director addresses the partnership and its impact stating,
“If coffee can even in a small way help give skills, ambition and a pathway to employment for Well Grounded Trainees, then De’Longhi are proud to support Well Grounded on this journey.”
With an impressive track record that speaks volumes to their instrumental work, Well Grounded has been able to help facilitate and achieve the following:
- 531 individuals have participated in their employability programs.
- 499 participants have gained accreditation, representing 94% of starters.
- 71% have moved into work, education, or further training (348 individuals).
- Over 12,349 work placement hours have been completed.
- 140 employers have partnered with Well Grounded.
- 81% of participants sustain employment for over six months.
