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How to Become a Barista

If you love working with people and have a passion for coffee, then training as a barista could be the dream job for you. Baristas are experts in blending, grinding and brewing coffee as well as other hot drinks such as teas and hot chocolates as well as soft drinks such as smoothies. baristas will often work in coffee shops and cafés, serving customers, making drinks and selling food such as baked goods and sandwiches.

What Barista’s Do Day-To-Day

As a barista your main expertise will be in the area of making delicious coffees and teas for your customers to a high standard. Below is a list of the main tasks you will likely have to take on in your role as a barista. Although duties will vary slightly depending on where you work and what position you have. Your responsibilities may include: 

  • Processing payments on the till and serving customers in a personable manner
  • Making a variety of coffee drinks and specialty coffees such as lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and mochas
  • Making tea, hot chocolate and smoothies
  • Creating latte art
  • Heating food such as paninis and ensuring baked goods are fresh
  • Using the coffee equipment such as grinder, milk frothers and filters correctly
  • Learning how to create seasonal drinks and adapt drinks to suit customer’s tastes
  • Advising customers on drinks to suit their palate
  • Moving, arranging, replenishing and counting stock
  • Appropriately and thoroughly cleaning the coffee machine and equipment
  • Ensuring the shop/café remains clean and sanitary throughout the day
  • Cashing up the till safely and securely
  • Training new employees

What Is the Average Salary of a Barista?

Baristas make an average of £19,000 in the UK. This can vary depending on where you live and the company that you work for, however, with some senior baristas making up to £30k per year.

    £0,000
    Average Salary for a Barista

    What Skills Do Baristas Need?

    • Composure

      With early morning coffee runs and lunch rushes, you will need to be able to work well under pressure. It might be a bit daunting when you begin, which is why it is a good idea to have some knowledge of what you will be doing before you begin.

    • Multi-tasking & Prioritising Skills

      Being able to communicate and coordinate well with your coworkers is great in any retail environment, and it is one of the top barista skills to have. When you are working closely with other baristas in a small area, ensure you are able to communicate well.

    • Customer Service Skills

      Customer service jobs are all about interacting with customers. If you have excellent customer service skills already then you have a great head start, but if you don’t have much confidence talking to strangers, practice with friends and family.

    • Team Working & Communication Skills

      Being able to communicate and coordinate well with your coworkers is great in any retail environment, and it is one of the top barista skills to have. When you are working closely with other baristas in a small area, ensure you are able to communicate well.

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    How Long Does it Take to Become a Barista?

    There is no set time period within which you can become a barista as it depends on many factors. If you undertake an online course before seeking employment then it could take as little as 3 hours to gain the theoretical knowledge you need.

    When gaining hands-on experience, it is estimated that within 1-3 months you will have basic barista knowledge and between 3-12 months you can become a proficient barista and coffee connoisseur. This can vary however depending on whether you are working full-time or part-time.

    Want to learn more about how you can get the skills you need to become a barista? Take a look at our courses today and see how we can help you on your education journey.

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