Pupils at Leith Academy have launched a milkshake bar providing drinks for pupils, teachers and parents.

Mooshakez was created by students taking part in The Prince’s Trust Achieve programme which is designed to provide an experiential learning environment for young people.

The bar, the first project of its kind in Edinburgh, aims to introduce young people to enterprise whilst also developing their confidence, communication and customer service skills.The training and equipment to set up Mooshakez was funded by The Prince’s Trust, through its Cashback for Communities Development Awards.

The bar which is open during interval each Thursday is already a hit, selling 70 to 80 shakes to queues of pupils.

Richard Cooke, Head of Operations, Prince’s Trust Central and South Scotland said:

Our partnership with Leith Academy to help them launch the first Prince’s Trust funded school enterprise in Edinburgh will be of huge benefit not only to this year’s Achieve group, but the school as a whole. Mooshakez will enable pupils to develop key transferrable skills that will equip them for the world of work and enterprise, whilst gaining a Prince’s Trust qualification at the same time.

By combining elements of the Achieve curriculum with their milkshake bar, the pupils will be able to work towards a Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Customer Service and Enterprise, which will gain them an Award in Personal Development and Employability (PDE). So far all the young people involved have completed teamwork skills, presentation skills, a community project and career planning.

The pupils also completed the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene course delivered by Edinburgh Community Food.

Officially opening the bar, Craig Maughan, Pupil Support Officer, Leith Academy added:

“Introducing this type of activity will enhance our pupils’ employability potential as well as add value to their qualifications and skills portfolio. The enthusiasm shown by both our students and staff in setting up Mooshakez has been fantastic and already the bar is a big hit with the rest of the school. There will be regular opportunities for the pupils to put their new skills into practice by serving other pupils, staff and supporting school events.”