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How to become a Barista

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Barista jobs

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Barista courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Barista

Barista

| Up to £18,000

Team Leader

| Up to £26,000

Store Manager

| Up to £30,000

The role of a Barista

What does a Barista do?

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

Is a career as a Barista right for me?

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

What's it like to be a Barista?

"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

There are no set entry requirements to become a Barista. Although coffee barista training and bartender courses will be beneficial, a good standard of Maths and English may be of value also. Employers will usually place more precedence on personality and a passion for coffee. Experience working in a similar environment will also help you stand out.

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