What does a Barista do?
A Barista is an expert in the preparation and serving of espresso-based drinks. These professionals are masters of latte art, and create intricate images with milk foam when crafting cappuccinos. A Baristas typically has extensive knowledge of coffee beans and blends, and should also know how to operate and maintain espresso machines. As they come into direct contact with clients throughout the working day, it is important for a Barista to have excellent customer service skills and to create and maintain a welcoming atmosphere at all times.
Barista skills and qualifications
Apart from being passionate and knowledgeable about coffee, Baristas need various other prerequisite skills and qualifications to be successful in their jobs. As front-of-house employees, they should look presentable and always be friendly and polite. Other key skills required include:
- Punctuality and regular attendance
- Attention to detail
- Physical stamina
- The ability to communicate effectively and work together with others in a team
- The ability to remain calm under pressure especially during peak hours
- Basic knowledge of computers, especially with the point of sale system
- Excellent customer service and the ability to make clients feel special
- A passion for coffee and an eagerness to stay up-to-day with the latest coffee trends
Barista experience requirements
The experience requirements for Baristas vary depending on the available position, the work environment and the employer’s preference. Employers who offer on-the-job training typically require no previous experience, whereas others may expect candidates to have a year or more experience in the coffee service industry. As the job involves working with customers, previous experience in a customer-facing environment, such as the hospitality or retail industries is beneficial.
Barista education and training requirements
Baristas are usually not required to have any formal educational background, though some employers ask Baristas to have at least a few GCSEs, including English, or its equivalent. New Baristas are required to complete on-the-job training, which includes shadowing an experienced Barista in order to learn how to clean coffee equipment, roast beans, steam milk, brew coffee and make a variety of other beverages that the cafe offers. Some employers prefer Baristas who hold a Barista certification, such as the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) certification, Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry and Level 2 Award in Food Safety and Catering.
Barista salary expectations
According to Indeed salaries, the average salary for a Barista is £8.93 per hour. This figure varies depending on factors like experience and location.
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