How to Become a Barista in Cardiff?

Cardiff's vibrant café culture offers numerous opportunities for aspiring baristas. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to enhance your skills, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to launching a successful barista career in the Welsh capital.

Understand the Role of a Barista 

A barista is more than just someone who makes coffee. In Cardiff, baristas are integral to the city's bustling coffee scene, working in various settings from independent cafés to well-known chains.  

Key responsibilities include: 

• Preparing and serving a variety of coffee and tea beverages 
• Operating espresso machines and grinders 
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards 
• Providing excellent customer service 
• Managing inventory and restocking supplies 
• Understanding these duties is crucial before embarking on your barista journey. 

Acquire Basic Coffee-Making Skills 

Starting with foundational skills is essential. You can attend beginner courses such as the Basic Barista Course offered by 200 Degrees Coffee in Cardiff, which provides a relaxed and practical 3-hour session covering espresso extraction and milk steaming techniques. 

Additionally, Waterloo Tea offers a Foundation Barista Skills Course that covers grinder adjustment, tamping techniques, espresso machine maintenance, and milk steaming for latte art. 

3. Enrol in Accredited Barista Training 

For more comprehensive training, consider enrolling in accredited courses. Bridge Coffee Roasters in Cardiff offers Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) training courses, including modules on barista skills, brewing, and sensory skills. These courses are available at foundation, intermediate, and professional levels. 

Hard Lines Coffee also provides SCA Foundation Barista Courses, ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of coffee preparation.  

4. Obtain Relevant Qualifications 

Gaining recognised qualifications can enhance your employability. Cardiff and Vale College offers a City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Barista Skills, providing learners with specialist knowledge in the beverage sector.  

This qualification is aimed at first-line operatives where coffee is served, including coffee bars, cafés, hotels, and restaurants. 

Apply for Entry-Level Positions 

Once you've acquired basic skills and qualifications, start applying for entry-level barista positions in Cardiff. Many coffee shops offer on-the-job training, allowing you to gain practical experience while working. 

Websites like Indeed and Glassdoor list numerous barista vacancies in Cardiff, ranging from part-time to full-time positions. 

Additionally, Starbucks frequently posts job openings for baristas in their Cardiff locations. 

Build Your Barista CV 

As you gain experience, update your barista CV to reflect your skills, training, and work history. Highlight any certifications, customer service experience, and proficiency with coffee equipment. 

• Barista training courses completed 
• Certifications obtained (e.g., SCA, City & Guilds) 
• Experience with specific coffee machines 
• Customer service roles 
• Any awards or recognitions 

A well-crafted CV can significantly improve your chances of landing a desirable position. 

Explore Advanced Opportunities 

With experience, you can pursue advanced roles such as barista trainer or café manager. Continuing education through professional courses can support career progression. 

For instance, becoming a Barista Maestro involves mastering advanced coffee preparation techniques and excelling in customer service, often leading to participation in competitions or brand promotions. 

Starbucks offers specific training for barista trainers, allowing experienced baristas to teach new staff the art and science of coffee-making. 

Consider Barista Self-Employment 

Many baristas in Cardiff choose to work independently, offering services to various establishments or even starting their own coffee ventures. To become a self-employed barista, you should: 

• Register as self-employed with HMRC 
• Manage your own taxes and National Insurance 
• Obtain appropriate insurance (public liability, employer’s liability if hiring others) 
• Invest in quality coffee-making equipment 
• Build a client base through marketing and referrals 

Self-employment offers flexibility but requires good organisational skills and business acumen. 

Network Within the Coffee Community 

Engaging with Cardiff's coffee community can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Attend local coffee events, workshops, and competitions to meet like-minded individuals and stay updated on industry trends.  

Joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to coffee enthusiasts in Cardiff can also be beneficial. 

Stay Updated and Continue Learning 

The coffee industry is ever-evolving, with new brewing methods, equipment, and trends emerging regularly.  

• Subscribing to coffee industry publications 
• Attending advanced barista courses 
• Participating in coffee tastings and cupping sessions 
• Following influential baristas and coffee shops on social media 
• Continuous learning ensures you remain competitive and passionate about your craft. 

Conclusion 

Becoming a barista in Cardiff involves a combination of training, practical experience, and continuous learning. By following these steps and taking advantage of local training opportunities, you can build a successful career in the coffee industry. 

Whether you're aiming to work in a bustling brunch restaurant or looking to find a job in Cardiff's dynamic café scene, dedication and passion are key.