cost of being a Barista?

Ratrodzcafe

I was flicking through a few different coffee sites that do the whole "Barista training" course and all I can say is f**k me! Since when did it become so expensive to make coffee? When I started out nobody even knew what a Barista was! I got a few days training and the rest was common sense. How can somebody justify charging upwards of €75 an hourto show somebody how to steam milk...and I know there's more to it that but really!! These days to work in a cafe you need to scae certified, done a Barista course, passed to a certain level, to pass level three first you have to pass 1 and 2 and then work in a cafe to sit level 3(but most places won't take staff without level 3 so how does a level 2 even get in the door)
Even if you pass all these tests and get a job in the cafe of your dreams your still on minimum wage. At least 20 years ago you spent a few years on an apprenticeship doing a college certified course and came through with a decent paying wage at the end.
It doesn't make sense.....does it?

Brett H

Nice to hear from you Rad!  Of course you are correct and it doesn't make sense; but, someone must be willing to pay it!  Perhaps a lucrative sideline for those who wish to step out of the kitchen and into the classroom??

Ratrodzcafe

Hey Brett, I really should make an effort to stop by here more:) It's a bit nuts, I probably got into all this accidentally and was in a position to either teach myself or pick bits up from others back when I started out. These days there doesn't seem to be any freedom when it comes to coffee. It's all about this is how it's done and don't try anything else...and you know what I'm like when it comes to trying different things. Maybe it's just the Irish way of following along without getting outside the whole comfort zone thing.

Brett H

Maybe it's an intelligent methodical approach; and, it's the less inquisitive minds that have to pay the big buck for teachers that will think for them!!

DoubleRistretto

Since it looks like you're in Ireland it's hard for us to comment Ratrodz, but that does seem expensive. I'm not sure what a course 'downunder' costs these days - possibly around A$80-$90 for a two hour course… I'm guessing that works out at around €60 for two hours, or at least half the sort of costs you're talking about. I guess most of the guys who do the courses here see it as an investment, but you're right - it does seem pretty expensive in your part of the world, and I'm guessing it might be even more expensive in London? dR