Specialty Kava Hosts Exclusive Barista Training Experience

The Specialty Kava team recently hosted an immersive Barista Training Course, led by an Authorized SCA Trainer, designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the barista craft. The event focused on delivering a well-rounded curriculum that combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, covering everything from coffee production and equipment handling to beverage preparation and customer service.

Course Outline

The training was structured in order to offer a comprehensive learning experience, blending theory and practice to ensure participants gained both knowledge and confidence. The course was divided into key segments, each focusing on a critical aspect of the barista profession, both practical and theoretical.

Timeframe and Exercises

The training spanned nearly seven hours, divided into focused sessions with practical exercises and short breaks. The day began with an exploration of the coffee supply chain, where participants learned about the journey of coffee from cherry to cup. This included:  

• Understanding different processing techniques at origin.  
• Exploring the transportation and storage of green and roasted coffee.  
• Discussing the role of roasteries and cafés in the final product.  

Following this, the training shifted to hands-on exercises at the espresso bar. Participants engaged in:  

• Espresso dialing: Adjusting grind size and extraction for optimal flavor.  
• Latte art training: Practicing milk texturing and pouring techniques.  
• Team-based order preparation: Simulating a high-pressure café environment with timed exercises.  
• Hygiene and equipment maintenance: Learning on-the-go techniques to keep workspaces and equipment clean.  

A dedicated segment focused on milk chemistry and latte art, where participants explored the science behind milk texturing and practiced creating visually appealing designs. Basic patterns like hearts and tulips were mastered, while advanced techniques such as rosettas and free-pour designs were demonstrated.  

By the end of the practical segment, both students were asked to perform a list of tasks individually and as a team to confirm that the lessons have been learnt and new barista skills can now be implemented without the supervision of a Trainer.

Before the conclusion of the course, a segment of Questions and Answers took place, during which each student had an opportunity to clarify learnt topics with the Trainer.

Results

By the end of the training, all participants successfully passed their hands-on assessments, showcasing their newfound skills in espresso preparation, latte art, and workflow management. They are now preparing to take the online written exam to earn the SCA Coffee Skills Program (CSP) Barista Skills Foundation Certificate, a testament to their dedication and the quality of the training provided by Specialty Kava.

By achieving a SCA CSP Certificate of any module, students become one step closer to getting a specific SCA Diploma that represents their professional interest and expertise.

Conclusion

The Barista Training Course hosted by Specialty Kava was a day filled with coffee knowledge, offering participants a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, the event ensured that attendees left with the confidence and skills needed to excel in a professional café environment. Specialty Kava remains committed to fostering excellence in the coffee industry through such impactful initiatives.

Would you like to attend a Barista Training Course? Check the available dates here.