Coffee/barista training

jamesk

Hi to all posters and readers,

Can someone please point me in the right direction regarding barista training.
Some backround on myself i have owned operated a cafe/cake shop for the last 11 months in Melbourne.
Most of my training has been  through the internet, articles books etc.

Whilst we have fortunate to build coffe sales over the past 11 months i realise that i need some formal training to take it to the next level.

My major question is which one? i have compiled a small list

-Makin espresso
-William Angliss
-Barista Basics
-veneziano

If anyone has completed these courses or has others they can recommend in Melbourne i would love to hear from you

Also if you feel you require any other information about my experiance i would gladly answer

Thanks in advance

James

askthecoffeeguy

Hi James - Makin Espresso and Veneziano are pretty much the same thing, as David Makin (current Australian Barista Champion and 2nd in the world this year) operates out of Veneziano coffee in Bond Street, Richmond.  I suggest that you start there as they're a great bunch of guys who I'm sure will be only too willing to help Cheers, Pat

takeaim

Speak to your roaster first, any decent roaster/supplier will provide free training for wholesale accounts. And hopefully the training provided by your roaster is worth being taught.

admin

I still consider Justin Melcalf [World Barista Judge] one of the best in Melbourne - in fact in Australia. The only thing is I've lost his contact details - quick google? -A

jamesk

Thanks guys for your response I will keep you updated on how I go Cheers James

FreshCoffee2

I will second the post above that recommends you speak to your coffee bean supplier. He/she has a vested interest and will normally do it with compliments. The only problem with doing things "with compliments" is that many seem to think that something not charged for is not worth much....so they seek out someone to pay thinking that the information obtained that way is somehow "better".......you dont need to do that if you are dealing with a professional coffee supplier and I am sure they will be only too pleased to oblige as it is usually their name on the cup that you are selling. In fact they will usually want to be given the "first bite of the cherry".......rather than

ALEIN

I would of also thought that your supplier would come to the party and provide the training???. From the list you added I can say I did the Barista Basics course and found David and Matthew Gee very good. Barista Basics are also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and have TAFE affiliations to issues Statements of Attainment. Not sure how the industry rates them but I enjoyed the course they provided back in 2006.

FreshCoffee2

Ah yes and one other thing I would like to add to my other reply above. Learn the grinder. Your level of understanding of this piece of equipment will make or break your cuppa as it provides the source material (the grinds). If you dont understand the grinder (fineness/coarseness of grind and dose and the relationship between them) there is no point with any of the rest of it. Regardz, Attilio.

pinot2

Hi James From the list you provided, I would suggest Makin Espresso. John