Among them was even a trained opera singer, Taylor said.
“It was nice to see different people’s lives, that was not just about making coffee,” he continued.
“You get to see the personality and not just what is written on paper.
“When you’re an employer you want to see what they can bring, not just what someone has told you to bring.
“We don’t just want to see everything you are getting off Google or ChatGPT.”
The manager added: “When I was 16, we used to have job fairs, and I think that is what is missing now.
“I think we found the perfect match – someone that will fit with the vibe, the team, the customer, the culture, and I think she will be a great asset.”
Film student Em Lindsay, 21, who has worked as a part-time barista at the cafe for about four months, said: “We have people coming in every single shift asking about jobs, going all around the area, and I think it is very difficult.
“I feel like at the minute there is such an expectation of having so much experience and going into the job being top of the mark.
“I think a lot of employers don’t want to train people up, they kind of just want people to come in and do the jobs.”