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Barista

Alternative titles for this job include

Baristas make and serve coffee in cafes, coffee shop chains, restaurants and hotels.

Average salary (a year)

£12,500 Starter

to

£20,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

How to become a barista

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course that would give you some of the skills to do this role. Courses include:

  • 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

Apprenticeship

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

Direct Application

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

More Information

Further information

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

What it takes

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • a good memory
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • prepare the coffee shop ready for opening
  • take customer orders and payments
  • grind fresh coffee beans
  • prepare and serve sandwiches and cakes
  • clean and tidy work areas, equipment and coffee machines
  • create displays of stock
  • do stock checks and order new stock
  • clean and tidy the coffee shop before closing

Working environment

You could work in a coffee shop.

Your working environment may be noisy and hot.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a store manager and then move on to a regional manager role.

You could also become self-employed and set up your own coffee shop.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Chef Assistant

  • Wage: £182.00 Weekly
  • Location: Sheffield

Apprentice Kitchen Assistant and Baker - Hospitality Team Member

  • Wage: £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Lincoln
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Level 2 Award in Barista Skills Adult

  • Provider: NEW CITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2021
  • Location: HACKNEY

Food Safety in Catering - Level 2

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 May 2021
  • Location: Blackpool
Find courses near you

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