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Barista
Baristas make and serve coffee in cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and hotels.
Average salary (a year)
£19000
Starter
£24000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 42.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly; training with a professional body
College
Although not essential, you could do a college course that would give you some of the skills needed for this role. Courses include
barista skills, food and beverage service, retail skills
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
    Apprenticeship
    You can apply to do a Hospitality Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
    This will usually take 12 months to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and time spent with 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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
    guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
    Direct Application
    You can apply directly for jobs. When you start, you're employer will put you through training in barista skills and product knowledge.
    Some employers may prefer you to have experience in customer service, retail sales or catering.
    Other Routes
    You could train in barista skills with a professional organisation, for example the Specialty Coffee Association.
    More Information
    Career Tips
    Skills such as teamwork, flexibility and good customer service are highly valued by employers, along with a positive outlook.
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      Customer service skills
      The ability to work well with others
      The ability to sell products and services
      The ability to work on your own
      Excellent verbal communication skills
      A good memory
      The ability to work well with your hands
      The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    As a barista, you would
    prepare the premises or outlet ready for opening, welcome customers, take orders and process payments, prepare and serve coffees, hot snacks, sandwiches and cakes, clean and tidy work areas, equipment and coffee machines, check and order new stock
    Working environment
    You could work in a coffee shop.
    You may need to wear a uniform.
    Your working environment may be noisy.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    With experience, you could become a store manager, then regional manager, with a coffee retail chain or franchise.
    There may also be opportunities to move into
    barista staff training, equipment maintenance, coffee tasting and buying, product development and marketing.
    You could become self-employed and open your own coffee shop
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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