Re: How does one become an experienced barista whe
The only reason why I will be doing prepare and serve is because it is a requirement for AASCA accreditation.
Commitment to a place and passion are very important traits I would look for in hiring a barista. A simple test is to simply get the applicant to make a coffee. Many people fail miserably. Just as an example, a girl walks in to a prospective employer and hands in her resume. It states she has completed the Serve and Prepare espresso course, yet when asked to make a coffee shes say "no no, I havent learnt that yet."
The course is a good stepping stone to get you started, but you wont learn everything. Prepare and Serve would be better if it required AASCA type criteria like before being certified. Eg having to do the 4 caps, 4 espresso and 4 mixed order drinks in 15 minutes before being awarded the certificate. It would be much better for the industry and the student in the long run, and will go a long way in improving the coffee industry in Australia.
I myself started off just wanting a job...any job. I applied for a cafe and got the job as a barista because I was "switched on". Eventually this job consumed me and it has become a great passion of mine. Learn as much as you can....and then continually learn. Professional development is great for you and the employer.
When I first started training as a barista, I learnt to pull shots and then steam milk. I thought pulling shots was wayyyyy easier than steaming milk. Now it is the otherway around...perfect microfoam with my eyes closed. Pulling shots has become inherently harder because I am a perfectionist.
Good luck in your search.
David
The only reason why I will be doing prepare and serve is because it is a requirement for AASCA accreditation.
Commitment to a place and passion are very important traits I would look for in hiring a barista. A simple test is to simply get the applicant to make a coffee. Many people fail miserably. Just as an example, a girl walks in to a prospective employer and hands in her resume. It states she has completed the Serve and Prepare espresso course, yet when asked to make a coffee shes say "no no, I havent learnt that yet."
The course is a good stepping stone to get you started, but you wont learn everything. Prepare and Serve would be better if it required AASCA type criteria like before being certified. Eg having to do the 4 caps, 4 espresso and 4 mixed order drinks in 15 minutes before being awarded the certificate. It would be much better for the industry and the student in the long run, and will go a long way in improving the coffee industry in Australia.
I myself started off just wanting a job...any job. I applied for a cafe and got the job as a barista because I was "switched on". Eventually this job consumed me and it has become a great passion of mine. Learn as much as you can....and then continually learn. Professional development is great for you and the employer.
When I first started training as a barista, I learnt to pull shots and then steam milk. I thought pulling shots was wayyyyy easier than steaming milk. Now it is the otherway around...perfect microfoam with my eyes closed. Pulling shots has become inherently harder because I am a perfectionist.
Good luck in your search.
David


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