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After the old forum software breaking in a way that we were unable to fix, we've migrated the site to a new platform.

Some elements aren't working as we'd hoped - some avatars didn't survive the transition, and we're still having issues with attachments that weren't added as inline images, but we're hoping to have that all sorted out soon.

how to start being a barista~~

gaga_gcgaga_gc
edited August 2008 in Have your say
Hi everyone,

I'm an overseas student, and this is just my 2nd year in sydney. but i love coffee even when i was in my home country, and sydney has been like the heaven of coffee to me.

I really want to become a coffee maker one day, but find no way in!! The biggest problem for me is my lack of prior experience (although i did work as a p/t barista in my home country for almost a year, but it was like 3 years ago!!!) .

I'm thinking of coffee training schools, claiming they help students get a job. But i dont think a training in a couple of hours and the so-called certificate can really do me any good. My second option is to work for free in a real good cafe, but i just dont think they'll accept an overseas student.

Do you guys happen to know any cafe that is nice enough to accept me? I'm really a coffee lover and hard working girl~~~

Cheers[ch65292]Carmen
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Comments

  • askthecoffeeguyaskthecoffeeguy
    I don't know about sydney but I do know that in melbourne some of our finest cafes have opened their doors to international students for work experience - i guess you need to put your interest in writing, say a brief cover letter, and then apply to the places that interest you in person it's also a good idea to get a 'decent' home machine and to practice your skills at home as well, by surfing the net, and applying what you learn try also contacting the following: Di Bartoli Coffee Centre Renzo Castillo & Ofra Ronen 558 Oxford St. Bondi Junction, NSW 2202 Tel: 02-9389 9892 Fax: 02-9389 8369 they should be able to point you in the right direction - and di bartoli recently ran some training with Scotty Callighan - former Australian Barista Champion, and World Latte Art Champion - he will even come to your home and show you how to get the best out of your machine! Good luck in your espresso quest - and welcome to the forum! Pat
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  • gaga_gcgaga_gc
    hi pat, thx so much for ur advice~~ ;D
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  • psaighpsaigh
    when all else fails...join a franchise [..shudder..]
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  • askthecoffeeguyaskthecoffeeguy
    and 'reverse engineer' them? except in the case of charbucks in which case you would have to 'reverse reverse' engineer  ;D
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  • over_extractedover_extracted
    If they still have any stores left... ;D
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  • blanyonblanyon
    Thats probably not as stupid as it sounds at least it gives you a start and if you are truly passionate about coffee (and don't stay too long) it will give you an appreciation of what it takes to make coffee so you can go to a great cafe with at least some experience. Not that it would be my first option by a long way, but you have to start somewhere.
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  • over_extractedover_extracted
    Seriously ,I have employed and given chances in the past  to people in your case gaga_gc . The beauty about employing some one that has basicaly no experience , but loads of comitment is that you can train them to your knowledge and expertise. Its a long process but its so rewarding and you get to know each other quite well after . ( in a good way). The last time I did something like that was a few years ago , it all went so good . When the employee returned to his country his mother sent me a postcard thanking me for the fine work , I will never forget that. Good luck with your progress and hope that someone that runs a proper cafe give you the go you deserve. OE ;)
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  • psaighpsaigh
    Thats probably not as stupid as it sounds at least it gives you a start and if you are truly passionate about coffee (and don't stay too long) it will give you an appreciation of what it takes to make coffee so you can go to a great cafe with at least some experience. Not that it would be my first option by a long way, but you have to start somewhere.
    Yeah, it's how I got my start which is why I suggested it.  Still makes me shudder at the thought.  Nothin like starting at the very bottom ;)
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  • askthecoffeeguyaskthecoffeeguy
    i just employed a basista from hudsons coffee who, whilst needing some coaching on her tamping & dosing technique, at least knows her way around the machine & is confident in her wk - which makes a nice change from the majority of applicants who fall apart under pressure.
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  • LoveyLovey
    Hi there Gaga, have a look in the 'Crema - Trade page' section of this site. Depending where you live, there's an opporunity over on the north side of Sydney. Here's the link. http://cremamagazine.sitesuite.ws/forums/YaBB.cgi?num=1219104907
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  • Unknown
    Do check out that ad, the owner is a good fellow and makes mean scrambled eggs. Also, I can train you! Find me a machine and I'll turn you into one of the best in the country.
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  • groundsforcoffeegroundsforcoffee
    Hi Carmen, There are heaps of training providers out there delivering Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee (the nationally accredited espresso module), though (I believe) the certificate is only as good as the institution you train with. Some companies deliver very little and assess even less. Usually, the longer the theory and practical component (and the more difficult the assessment), the better coffee you'll make. Even if you don't want the accreditation - and just want some great espresso training, I'd check out: Toby's Estate Coffee Espresso School - www.tobysestate.com.au Danes Gourmet Coffee Institute - www.coffeeinstitute.com.au Sydney Coffee Academy - www.sydneycoffeeacademy.com.au I've trained for each of these companies - they've got great facilities and even better coffee-making standards. Good luck!
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  • jkjk
    I am based in Melbourne and I currently work full time Mondays to Fridays. I have no experience in coffee making at all but am thinking of doing it as a hobby/past time over some weekends. Where shall I start? Is it even possible to go help out over 2 weekends a month? for free of course.
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  • askthecoffeeguyaskthecoffeeguy
    start by approaching those places that you most admire for the coffee they make, and ask to speak to the manager, state your case and its only a matter of time before you get lucky - many of Melbourne's finest coffee establishments are only too willing to take on enthusiastic individuals who are keen to learn oh, and welcome to the forum! Cheers, ACG
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  • Sea_Eagle_FanSea_Eagle_Fan
    I did my training at Danes, I found them to be great and not too expensive consideing the employment opportunities it created for me (even if they were with a franchise). Hope that's helpful.
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  • adminadmin
    Hi SE & welcome to the forum; yes, have to agree - in terms of preparation for a job as a pro-barista, I think Danes is by far and away the best in Sydney. -A
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