Hey guys, some advice?

NathanSz

Hey guys ive been lurking or this forum for a while and im always impressed by the level of coffee knowlege that people have here. At the moment im working as a barista/store manager of a Gloria Jeans in a country town for 33k a year. My parents run pubs and ive always been very passionate about the hospitality and the coffee industry, I feel like my future is here. So after working around a bit I am starting to have dreams of my own joint, because working at Gloria Jeans (even though we are one of the cleanest ones witht he highest coffee standards) leaves a lot to be desired. I have been trying to budget a way to save some cash for the future but on my meager earnings at GJ's and with a Mortage, I worked out it would take a decade to save a decent wad of cash.

So I organised our machine and grinder to be serviced and the espresso tech rocked up and I spent a few hours talking to him about his job and what he was doing. The guy is a really nice old bloke, hes 70 and wants to retire, but feels he cant because hes the only espresso tech in the Latrobe valley and there is just too much work to do.

Espresso techs earn much more than GJ jockeys so I was thinking about how to go about getting into it? I am good with my hands, I have always built and fixed my own computers, cars and shit around the house, but I went to university instead of getting an apprentiship in something. Now ive quit my course because I knew that what I REALLY wanted to do is own my own cafe/coffee bar, but I need a bigger income to achieve that goal.

I cant find any info relating to Espresso Tech's in australia on the internet, can you guys fill me in?

Any advice much appreciated

fattylateplease

Go to tafe and learn about electronics and buy an old machine and do it up. Working at a franchise really sucks doesn't it. Good in idea and being organised - but very little room to be yourself. If you want to start a cafe, start small and once your business is starting to make money, you can always look for a bigger place and grow.

NathanSz

Im not going to tafe, unless its a specific espresso tech course. I know a fair amount about electronics, I can read the diagrams and work out whats wrong.

askthecoffeeguy

I know a couple of espresso tech's and as far as I know they're all self taught. The ones that I know are passionate about coffee (as you would expect) - and I believe that they just rocked up to the company they're working for and said - "Hey, I like what you're doing with coffee, I'd really like to come on board in any capacity, and work my way up to rep / tech / roaster / combination of the above" etc If you are really passionate about coffee, I'm pretty sure that you're level of dedication and commitment will be obvious to any potential employer. The best thing t do in my opinion at least is call a couple of coffee companies that you feel you could work for, and make an appointment to speak to someone within thw firm about career opportunities. Good luck, and let us know how you go. Cheers, Pat

nzroaster

Everything can be self taught, or by working with the current tech in your area. Sounds like he may need the help. Also, visit some of the importers where possible and see if they can help you out. You will probably need some form of electrical ticket if you are doing installs otherwise you may not be covered by manufacturers warrenties.