expensive coffee course? worth it ??

System

i see a few courses teaching you to be a pro barista in 5 hours etc with certificate.  I dont feel its that easy.  does anyone else. ?


And 1500 dollars for 16 hours is expensive i think for the top of the range course.

I think  a barista must be able to clean the machine. Adjust as needed etc.  Plus have worked learning to work in a busy cafe....and learn to roast.

My friend wanted me to do the 3 hour course.  Danes offers the 1500 dollar course.   is it worthwhile ???

Seeing as most cafes make crap coffee maybe the shops should send all their staff

marley

FreshCoffee2

Hello Marley, This can be a very emotional subject amongst those who want to be baristas, those who think they are baristas but really aren't, those who really are baristas, those who think they can train people to become baristas, those who cant but think they can, and those who really can!!!!! LOL! So checking your concerns one by one: a) You are correct, no one becomes a pro anything in 5 hours. Any certificate stating such is less than worthless. 5 hours is just enough time to run through an introductory course outlining the principles of proper / good coffee making and management, giving examples, and for the group (of students) to get a couple of goes each brewing a cup depending on the number of students. Any certificate given (or asked for by some students) should note simply that joe bloggs has attended an introductory course in...and nothing else). b) "...And 1500 dollars for 16 hours is expensive i think for the top of the range course...." Depends entirely on what's being offered for this so if you are serious about joining the cafe industry, and think it may help you, check it out very carefully and ask whether at the end of the course, you achieve a meaningful standard with enough experience to allow you to work, and a recognised qualification. Ask if the course gets you an apprenticeship with a full time job. c) "...I think  a barista must be able to clean the machine. Adjust as needed etc.  Plus have worked learning to work in a busy cafe....and learn to roast...."  Yeah all of this but much much more except for one thing that appears to cause some misunderstanding at times. Roasting coffee has nothing to do with working an espresso machine in a commercial environment. It's an entirely different industry and is like saying that because you use milk, you need to know all about dairy farming to be a barista! It's interesting to know a little about how coffee is roasted or about why we blend different coffees togther but it's only general information for personal interest type stuff. You can do as many courses as you like but they will not do you any good if you dont have access to work experience, are responsible, and are intending to go further than just "coffee making". It is just another form of apprenticeship. You can be technically accurate, know all the theory, but unless you have been supervised extensively in the working environment and have developed A CONSISTENT OPERATING TECHNIQUE, which remains consistent under the pressure of a busy work environment, and understood what you are doing, you may never be entitled to use the word "barista" in the true sense of the word. John from Coffee Training should be able to point you in the right direction. Goodluck, FC.

john

Marley FC has made some valid points. Most of the 3 hour courses are not intended to turn you into a barista. Although some state that on their certificates. These certificates are not worth the paper they are printed on. First you need to consider why are you doing the course? Do you wish to become a coffee machine operator and after some years of practice be recognised as a barista? Are you doing the course to find out a bit more about coffee? To become a competent barista takes years of hard work. It should be considered similar to an apprenticeship. First step would be to consider a nationally recognised course by a recognised coffee training organisation. Following the course and before accreditation you should complete some supervised work in a cafe situation. This accreditation will not turn into a barista. It is through ongoing practice, hard work and dedication that will eventually turn you into a competent barista. This may take 3-4 years of work. These courses generally only teach you the basics. It is out in the real world where you will learn the ropes. You could not expect to finish any of these courses and then expect to compete in and win any of the barista competitions. When enquiring into courses also find out who the trainer is and what experience they have. Some baristas may be able to make perfect espresso and do all fancy latte art etc, but have trouble getting the training message across. That is to say a competent barista but a not-yet competent barista trainer. Believe me there is a big difference. Once again, just think of what you wish to achieve from doing the course. JD