By Roz Ffrench
In the ever-expanding world of coffee, the importance of barista training can’t be overstated. For both employees and employers, investing in training is an investment in the future success and sustainability of a coffee business. Over our 22 years in the industry we’ve seen the incredible evolution of the specialty coffee sphere - through London’s embrace of the third wave and all the way through a pandemic - and the same thing has rung true the entire time: training your baristas is one of the most vital aspects of a successful coffee business.
In my role as a barista trainer I get to experience these benefits first hand, working closely with our own team of Climpsons Cafe baristas as well as up-skilling our wholesale partners across the country through our detailed training programmes. Everyday I get to see budding baristas build their coffee knowledge and confidence in all things specialty coffee, following the positive ripple effect it has for the businesses we work with.
Craftsmanship and consistency
From mastering the grind size to understanding extraction theory, a well-trained barista ensures that every cup served meets your recipe and highest standards of quality and consistency. Training helps to minimise errors and wastage - now more than ever, every little counts when it comes to stock and resources. Your customers want the same delicious coffee every time they pop in - that’s how you get regulars and a good word-of-mouth reputation.
The customer-barista experience
A barista’s job is to understand their customers’ needs, engage them in conversation and leave them with a lovely coffee experience. A well-trained barista goes beyond the technicalities of coffee-making; they excel in customer service. Training empowers baristas to engage and communicate with customers, understand their preferences, and provide a personalised coffee experience. This hospitality fosters a positive, welcoming atmosphere and encourages repeat business. Trained baristas are better equipped to experiment with new brewing methods, specialty drinks, and unique flavour combinations, which expand a cafe’s menu. For example, have you tried our Midnight Mocha yet? Innovation like this can set a coffee shop apart from competitors, attracting a diverse customer base and keeping the menu fresh and exciting.
Brand reputation
As we’re all aware, brand reputation is paramount. The reputation of a coffee shop hinges on the quality of its beverages and word of mouth. Investing in barista training reflects a commitment to excellence and engagement with your community - and customers are more likely to return to a place known for its skilled and confident baristas.
Reduced turnover, team morale and increased productivity
Well-trained baristas are more likely to feel confident and satisfied in their roles, leading to lower turnover rates. This, in turn, saves on recruitment and training costs while fostering a stable and experienced workforce. Say it with me, guys: increased job satisfaction also translates into higher productivity!
The importance of barista training speaks for itself. Just some of the teams who have trained with us recently are Tram Store, Archies, Honey & Co, Hjem, Lantana, Salt the Radish and Victor Victoria who continue to grow their businesses and open new sites and locations, in part thanks to their confident and expert team of trained baristas.
Compliance, health & safety
Just the same as food safety and first aid, barista training covers crucial aspects such as equipment handling, hygiene, and safety protocols. Everyone benefits from reduced risks of accidents, injuries, and equipment damage; compliance with health and safety standards not only ensures a smooth operation but also protects the well-being of both employees and customers.
So, whether you're perfecting your latte art swan or guiding a team of aspiring baristas, remember: the journey to crafting the perfect cup is a continuous but rewarding process, whether it’s a half-shot extra-hot decaf large flat white or a hand-brewed single origin filter coffee.
Interested in becoming a wholesale customer? Get in touch!
