Pritam, a community advocate with a vision for empowerment, and Davide, an expert mixologist with a flair for teaching, are leading the charge to create opportunities for Canning Town residents through the Learn & Earn Hub.
Together, they’ve turned a bold idea into a programme that’s changing lives by blending education with employment.
“The inspiration for the Learn & Earn Hub came from the desire to give back to the community” Pritam shares. “We wanted to create a space where people could learn skills that not only enhance their confidence but also open doors to meaningful careers.”
Located in the heart of Canning Town at Myma Japanese Restaurant & Cocktails, and working alongside Academy Hospitality Ltd, the Learn & Earn Hub offers hands-on training in hospitality, focusing on bartending, mixology, and customer service. “We connect learning directly to earning” Pritam explains. “It’s about showing people that they can build sustainable careers with the right support and tools.”
Davide, who manages the bar workshop and teaches participants the art of mixology, describes the transformation he sees in his students. “Many come in feeling unsure of themselves” he says. “But by the end of the programme, they’re confident, skilled, and ready to take on the world.”
One standout success story is that of a young man who joined the workshop with no prior experience. “He was shy at first” Davide recalls, “but he quickly became one of our most talented mixologists. Now, he’s working full-time at a top bar in London, creating his own signature cocktails.”
The Learn & Earn Hub doesn’t just teach technical skills; it also emphasises teamwork, leadership, and career coaching. “Our programmes are designed to provide real-world experience” Pritam says. “Whether it’s mastering the art of cocktail making or learning how to deliver exceptional customer service, participants leave with skills they can immediately use in the workforce.”
The impact of the hub extends beyond the individual. “When you empower one person, you uplift the entire community,” Pritam explains. “Our partnerships with local businesses not only help participants find jobs but also support the growth of the local economy.”
Davide highlights the ripple effect of their work. “The food and beverage sector is central to community life” he says. “By equipping people to thrive in this industry, we’re fostering a stronger, more vibrant neighbourhood.”
The project’s success wouldn’t have been possible without funding from Newham Council’s People Powered Places programme. “Their support has allowed us to invest in resources, hire expert trainers, and create a welcoming space for learning” Pritam shares. “It’s enabled us to reach more people and deliver high-quality training that truly makes a difference.”
Looking ahead, Pritam and Davide are excited to expand the hub’s offerings, with plans to introduce more advanced workshops and partnerships. “This is just the beginning” Pritam says. “We’re committed to helping as many people as possible find their path to success.”
For Pritam and Davide, the Learn & Earn Hub is more than a project—it’s a movement to create lasting change in Canning Town, one skill and one opportunity at a time.
