Barista

Barista is a person who prepares coffee drinks in a coffee bar.

Tasks

• Prepare quality beverages for customers, such as lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks, blended drinks, and coffee according to standards;
• Staff the counter;
• Provide excellent service to customers;
• Participate in all scheduled training in order to expand knowledge of coffee-making;
• Ensure cleanliness, organization and attractiveness of store´s interior and exterior;
• Adhere to general health and safety guidelines, and company standards;
• May operate the cash register;
• Complete assigned tasks and assist co-workers with the completion of their tasks.

Basic Educational Requirement

To qualify as Barista, one must have at least a college level of education and must be professionally trained in preparing different kinds of espresso coffee and other blended drinks.

Skills and Competencies

• Good communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Orientation to teamwork;
• Strong customer service skills;
• Ability to handle numerous tasks at once while prioritizing;
• Flexibility;
• Creativity;

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

• Able to practice tact and diplomacy in dealing with customers ;
• Have respect for others;
• Affinity for working with the public;
• Neat and always dressed appropriately for working wih the public;
• Physically active (i.e. able to bend, stand continuously, carry and lift heavy loads);
• Friendly, outgoing, energetic and enthusiastic personality.

Salary/Compensation

Baristas receive a minimum pay of P362.00 a day plus tips.

Prospects for Career Advancement

Baristas with outstanding performance can move to a managerial position as store manager or assistant store manager, overseeing the food and beverage operations of an Espresso bar or cafe.

Employment Opportunities

A Barista can work either full-time or part time. Students and even those already employed but would like to earn extra income can take on the job on a part-time basis.

The demand for Barista is expected to rise simultaneous with the growth in the tourism sector. Among the sub sectors involved in tourism, restaurants and bars will continue to increase in number, resulting to higher demand for workers rendering food and beverage services in specialty stores such as coffeeshops.

Also, local customers are increasingly patronizing cafe´s and diners and this has spurred the growth in the business creating job opportunities for service workers including Baristas.

Cost of Education *

A training program for prospective Baristas is being offered for a fee of approximately P5,500. The course is a 3-day intensive theoretical and hands-on-study on espresso coffee making.

Schools Offering Training For Barristas:

• Center for Hospitality Arts Management Philippines
• Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Program

* Based on 2007 rates