Barista

You could do a college qualification like:

• Level 1 Award in Introduction to Employment in the Hospitality Industry
• Level 2 Award in Barista Skills
• Level 2 Diploma in Food and Beverage Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can train through a hospitality team member intermediate apprenticeship.

This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can apply directly for jobs. Some employers may prefer you to have experience in customer service or catering.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a barista from the Hospitality Guild.

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a desire to help people
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day duties might include:

• preparing the coffee shop ready for opening
• taking customer orders and payments
• grinding fresh coffee beans
• preparing and serving sandwiches and cakes
• cleaning and tidying work areas, equipment and coffee machines
• creating displays of stock
• doing stock checks and ordering new stock
• cleaning and tidying the coffee shop before closing

You could work in a coffee shop.

Your working environment may be noisy and hot.

You may need to wear a uniform.