Barista

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• training with a professional body

Entry requirements:

College

Although not essential, you could do a college course that would give you some of the skills needed for this role. Courses include:

• barista skills
• food and beverage service
• retail skills

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Hospitality Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This will usually take 12 months to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and time spent with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs. When you start, you're employer will put you through training in barista skills and product knowledge.

Some employers may prefer you to have experience in customer service, retail sales or catering.

OtherRoutes

You could train in barista skills with a professional organisation, for example the Specialty Coffee Association.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to sell products and services
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• a desire to help people
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• leadership skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of food production methods

What you'll do:

Baristas make and serve coffee in cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and hotels.

As a barista, you would:

• prepare the premises or outlet ready for opening
• welcome customers, take orders and process payments
• prepare and serve coffees, hot snacks, sandwiches and cakes
• clean and tidy work areas, equipment and coffee machines
• check and order new stock

Location : You could work in a coffee shop.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £24,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a store manager, then regional manager, with a coffee retail chain or franchise.

There may also be opportunities to move into:

• barista staff training
• equipment maintenance
• coffee tasting and buying
• product development and marketing.

You could become self-employed and open your own coffee shop