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How to become a Barista

Barista

Career progression and salary expectations for a Barista

1

Barista

| Up to £18,000
2

Team Leader

| Up to £26,000
3

Store Manager

| Up to £30,000

The role of a Barista

Looking to make a little more of the daily grind? You should become a Barista… Baristas grind, brew, and blend coffee, tea, and other beverages, to serve to customers at cafés and coffee shop.They are found working anywhere from small, independent organisations, to worldwide coffee chains. They may also sell a small selection of food, such as baked goods, sandwiches, and salads.Alongside this, Baristas also provide good customer service at all times, educating customers on the contents of the menu, and on the equipment and products that they use in-store and often sell.Other general duties for a Barista include:
  • Greeting customers, taking orders, and answering questions
  • Keeping the work area and equipment clean and tidy
  • Adhering to health and safety standards
  • Learning about types of coffee, including various blends and roasts
  • Keeping up-to-date with developments within the industry
  • Replenishing shelves and assisting with stock ordering
  • Weighing and packing coffee in line with company guidelines
An interest in (and knowledge of) a variety of coffee types, alongside excellent customer service and communication skills are essential if you want to be a good Barista.Due to the fast-paced and hands-on nature of the job, you’ll also need to be physically fit, a quick worker, and able to stand for long periods of time. The ability to work well in a team is also a key skill for a Barista.Those who prefer ‘instant’ need not apply…Baristas will also generally need to be:
  • In tune with their customer’s needs
  • Able to work well under pressure
  • A good listener
  • Well organised
  • Knowledgeable of health and safety standards
  • Careful and accurate
"I work as a Barista for an independent coffee shop. Needless to say, I’ve always been a big fan of drinking coffee before I started selling it, and working with it has just made me love it even more. I’ve learnt so much about the best types of bean, blends, and roasts, and it feels great to be able to teach others about it too – as well as of course, make their morning by serving them their daily caffeine fix. There are understandably times when it’s hectic and you have to rush around to serve everyone, but I see this as a challenge to stay alert and on my toes (…the coffee helps)."

Get qualified as a Barista

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