This 6-week Barista Skills & Employability Program combines barista training with real-world work experience and essential career development. This holistic program prepares you for sustainable employment in the thriving coffee industry while providing personalised support throughout your journey with training, guidance and mentoring throughout the 6 weeks.
We believe in equal opportunities for all and provide the support needed for each learner to succeed. We work with our network of local business to provide on the job training and experience,with the end goal to have the opportunity for paid role. Our mission is to not only teach skills and offer opportunities but to empower you with the confidence, knowledge and connections to build a rewarding career in the specialty coffee industry.
Whether you’re new to the workforce, changing careers, or seeking to develop new skills, our vocational program offers the perfect blend of technical training, practical experience, and personalized guidance to help you thrive.
Course outline
- 6 weeks (Monday to Friday) Face to Face | In-House | Independent | In Work Programme
- 1 week introduction and assessment + 1 week barista training + 2 weeks hands-on work experience + 2 week employability skills and interview preparation guidance and mentoring
- Suitable for 16+ that are new to the industry
- Can book on per individual or as a group – Maximum 8 people.
- Price £1,875 per person + VAT
What’s Included
- All coffee and materials
- Comprehensive course manual
- Use of professional equipment and online learning
- Work experience
- Certificate of completion
- Post-course support and mentoring
Course Plan
Master coffee fundamentals, espresso machine operation, milk texturing techniques, and specialty beverage preparation, whilst getting hands on experience and expert mentoring. Develop the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in café environments while understanding coffee from origin to cup.
Week 1: Introduction & Assessment
- Meet your tutors and get a feel for the course
- Learn about the industry and why you would want to work in it
- Complete your initial assessment and be part of you 6 week tailored pathway. Choose the employability units and quals to add in
Week 2 Day 1: Brew Can Do It
- Comprehensive explanation of coffee menu items and terminology
- Participating in a cupping session to develop taste recognition
- Building strong product knowledge for customer questions
Day 2: The Daily Grind
- Exploring essential coffee equipment and tools
- Understanding grinder functions and calibration
- Learning coffee machine operation fundamentals
- Maintenance procedures for equipment longevity and consistency
Day 3: Espresso Yourself
- Recognizing the importance of espresso as the foundation of coffee drinks
- Hands-on practice making perfect espresso shots
- Learning to adjust recipes for optimal flavor extraction
- Troubleshooting common espresso issues
Day 4: Steamy Business
- Working with different milk varieties (dairy and non-dairy)
- Introduction to flavor syrups and their applications
- Proper steam wand techniques for creating microfoam
- Creating milk-based drinks with consistent quality
- Basic latte art techniques and friendly competition
Day 5: Creating a Coffee Experience
- Developing professional presentation and barista image
- Customer service excellence and active listening skills
- Transaction processing procedures
- Understanding different payment methods
- Certificate presentation upon successful completion
Weeks 3-5: Work Experience Placement
- Practical application of barista skills in a real café environment
- Developing speed and consistency under authentic conditions
- Building customer service experience with real patrons
- Understanding café operations and workflow management
- Weekly check-ins with program mentors for support and feedback
Week 6: Employability Skills & Career Development
- Workplace behavior and professional communication
- CV writing workshops tailored to hospitality and service industries
- Interview preparation and practice sessions
- Job search strategies and networking techniques
- Financial literacy and workplace rights awareness
- Career planning and goal setting
- Final program certification and celebration
Program Benefits
- Genuine work experience with our network of local coffee businesses
- One-on-one mentoring from industry professionals
- Employability qualification recognized by employers
- Post-program job placement assistance
- Ongoing support network after completion
Take your first step toward a rewarding career in the specialty coffee industry or simply enhance your passion for the perfect cup. Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
