We all know that Australians love coffee. Whether it’s busy Melbourne cafes or beachside espresso bars on the Sunshine Coast, coffee culture is part of daily life for many. Of course, with this comes a big need for those behind the coffee machines – baristas.
If you’ve ever thought about working in a cafe, you might be wondering: Where can I get barista training? Do I need a qualification to be a barista? And how long does it take to train as a barista?
While a formal qualification isn’t required to become a barista in Australia, completing a barista training course can help you learn the skills faster, build confidence, and make you more attractive to employers.
In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at what barista training involves, what options are available, and how courses like the EOT Introduction to Barista Training course can help you kickstart your career.
What qualifications do you need to be a barista?
In Australia, there are no legal qualifications required to work as a barista. Anyone can learn on the job. In fact, some cafes are happy to hire beginners with the right attitude and teach them everything they need to know.
That said, training is highly recommended, especially if you’ve never worked with commercial coffee equipment before. A commercial machine may look a fair bit different to the one you have at home, and because cafe owners are so busy, they may not have the time to teach you on the job. As such, they may prefer hiring those that already understand the basics of coffee-making, such as how to:
- Extract a perfect espresso shot
- Steam milk correctly
- Clean and maintain the coffee machine
- Work hygienically and safely
- Handle customer orders efficiently
Even though a barista qualification isn’t required, training shows an employer that you have initiative and helps you build a foundation of knowledge before you walk into your first job interview.
How do you train to become a barista?
Training to become a barista doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are a few different paths you can take, depending on how you prefer to learn and your career goals. Keep in mind, these ideas often work well with each other, rather than as standalone options.
1. Take an online barista course
Online courses are a convenient way to learn the theory behind coffee making. An online course can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it super convenient for those that live remotely. An example of one of these barista training courses is the EOT Introduction to Barista Training, which allows you to study at your own pace. Being remote, this course also lets you do barista training Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or more rurally like Kempsey or Wagga Wagga. The course can take as little as two hours to complete and covers:
- An explanation of different bean varieties
- Processing methods and roast levels of beans
- How to get the perfect grind
- Extraction techniques and troubleshooting
- Milk options and their differences
- How to steam milk
- The basics of latte art
- Alternative methods for brewing
- Cold brew and iced coffee
The course is a great starting point for beginners, and because it’s fully online, you can learn the essentials before ever stepping behind a cafe counter!
2. Attend a practical barista workshop
If hands-on learning is more your thing, an in-person workshop could be a good idea for you. These workshops are short, usually half-day or one-day courses held at training centres or cafes. You’ll get to work on commercial espresso machines, practice steaming milk, and learn to make a range of drinks under supervision of experienced trainers. Workshops are great if you learn best by doing, and they give you valuable experience before applying for jobs.
3. Learn on the job
Some cafes hire beginners and train them on site. This is a great option if you prefer learning in a real-world environment and earning money while you learn. You may start as waitstaff then work your way up to making coffee, or you might start your first day on the machines. Just keep in mind that cafes can be stressful environments, particularly those that see a lot of foot traffic!
How long does it take to train as a barista?
You can learn the very basics of being a barista surprisingly quickly, often within a few hours. Typically, a short course such as the one offered by EOT can be completed in as little as 2-hours, and will give you the basic fundamentals of the job. There are also short, in-person courses that can be completed which typically take around half a day and can be good for those after hands-on experience.
Another option is on-the-job training (if your cafe allows it). This will give you real cafe experience, as well as teaching you the workflow of the place you’ll be working in and customer service tasks. However, learning on the job can be stressful, particularly in busy businesses. The learning here doesn’t really have an end date, as you’ll continue learning while on the job.
Why barista training is worth it (even if it’s not required)
Even though anyone can call themselves a barista, training gives you a bit of an edge if you’re starting out in the industry. While it doesn’t replace hands-on experience, it does provide knowledge.Here’s why it’s worth doing a course before jumping into café work:
You’ll make fewer mistakes early on
Understanding extraction and milk technique can help you avoid common errors. It equips you with knowledge of the basics.
You’ll learn the “why” behind good coffee
Training gives insight into grind size, water temperature, and flavour balance. These elements all come together to shape your understanding of coffee.
You’ll feel more confident during job interviews
A course certificate shows motivation and enthusiasm. It also gives extra knowledge that you may be able to share during our interview.
Becoming a barista in Australia doesn’t require formal qualifications, but training can make a big difference. Particularly for those just starting out. Barista training helps you understand the craft, develop consistency, and stand out when applying for jobs. If you want to start learning straight away, the Introduction to Barista Training course from EOT is a great place to begin!
