The Beverage Standards Association (BSA) has announced the latest dates for the remainder of 2012 for the City & Guilds training course – Level 2 VRQ in Barista Skills. The courses are held at BSA member satellite centres across the country.
The critical role of baristas
Jim Devlin, BSA City and Guilds Quality Assurance Co-ordinator, says
“It is essential that people are properly trained to become a barista. Baristas are often the first contact a customer has and are critical in influencing whether customers decide to revisit or make future purchases. There is no typical career route to becoming a barista…there was no recognised standard until the BSA worked with City and Guilds to develop the Level 2 VRQ in Barista Skills.
This qualification will be recognised around the world and fits in with the BSA’s aims to encourage and promote higher standards and training within the industry.”
The course
The City & Guilds Level 2 VRQ in Barista Skills not only provides product knowledge on what makes up a hot beverage, but also the techniques to handle and store products correctly. Candidates will learn how to operate equipment safely, how to keep equipment clean and in good working order.
“Most importantly, they will be taught specific skills in the preparation, presentation and serving of beverages, which ensures they can create the best beverage experience for customers.”
The qualification is assessed with a written theory paper and a practical assessment covering both the candidates’ knowledge and practical skills.
More information
Visit the BSA website for a complete list of centres and contact your nearest centre for further information.
Rachel Eban, a barista who recently completed the course at Kimbo Coffee UK, said:
“The course was a lot of fun and taught well. It covered a range of
practical and academic areas to a high degree. I was amazed by how much I
learnt in just a few days having known nothing about coffee before and would
highly recommend it to anyone of any skill level, novices included.”
Henry Ayers, Head Trainer at Kimbo Coffee UK, says:
“The City & Guilds level 2 VRQ in Barista Skills is a comprehensive course over three days ensuring every barista that completes the course will have a bedrock of knowledge that will not only ensure personal development but that of the coffee business they work in.”