Michael’s Work Experience at Simple Coffee
At MOB Academy, we believe it’s the real-world experiences that help our young men find their place and purpose. For Year 12 student Michael, his work experience placement at Simple Coffee has been less about a career in hospitality—and more about life skills, discipline, and learning what it takes to reach his goals.
Chasing Goals, Not Just Coffee
Michael’s work experience journey started with a clear goal: earn enough money to buy a car before his 18th birthday. His dream is to become a real estate agent, and for him, having a car is the next step toward that.
“I’m doing work experience so I can get a taste of what the work industry looks like. But mainly, I want to earn money so I can buy a car and be ready for when I get my real estate license,” Michael said.
He’s currently working four days a week at Simple Coffee, clocking around 13-14 hours, on top of his busy school and sporting schedule.
A Day in the Life: School, Work, Football, Repeat
Michael’s week is a juggle of commitments.
“I’m at MOB from 8:30 am to around 1:30 pm or 3:00 pm depending on the day. Then I head straight to work at Simple from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm,” he shared.
He also fits in Muay Thai training and soccer, with games on Friday nights.
“They’re huge days,” Michael admitted. “But what keeps me going is just discipline. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
Support from MOB and Simple
While Michael’s focus is firmly on his future, he recognises the support around him.
“Mob has helped me a lot. They’re really caring and supportive—even if you’re anxious or feel like you don’t belong, they make you feel like part of a family,” he said.
At Simple Coffee, Michael’s found mentors in Simon and the team.
“They show me what to do, and they’re patient. As long as I get paid for it, I’ll do it!” he joked.
From learning how to clean, wash dishes, and soon use the coffee machine, Michael’s building the kind of work ethic that will serve him no matter where he goes next.
The Bigger Picture
For Michael, work experience isn’t about finding a career in hospitality—it’s about learning what it takes to show up, manage his time, and stay focused on his bigger goals.
His story is a reminder that at MOB Academy, work experience is about more than a job title. It’s about giving young men the space to test themselves, learn on the go, and back themselves in the world beyond the classroom.
