FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
No, as long as you are comfortable holding a jug of hot milk (65 degrees celsius) and can reach over a standard kitchen bench, there will be no issues. If you do have any concerns about participating please call us to discuss alternative training options
Our facilitators are coffee professionals with a wealth of knowledge and skill when it comes to mentoring students and teaching the techniques required to make outstanding coffee. Our practical intensive courses cover all of the course content with a mix of demonstrations, one-on-one and small group activities
There is currently a shortage of baristas in all Australian states. A good barista is rarely out of work. Completing your Barista Level 1 Certification is your first step towards a rewarding career as a barista. Choose to be the best at what you do and you’ll always have work as a barista.
The value of a barista course largely depends on the school you choose. If you book with a less reputable barista school, you might not get the training or the skills needed, making it less worth the investment. However, when you choose a reputable school like HG Coffee School, you’re investing in quality training that will help you stand out to potential employers. Cafe owners often prefer hiring candidates who have been trained at respected institutions, ensuring that your investment translates into real-world opportunities. In short, selecting the right barista school is absolutely worth the money for your career.
he cost of a barista course can vary widely. While there are cheaper courses out there, they often provide substandard training. A high quality barista course integrates the expertise of experienced trainers, modern equipment, premium milk, and fresh coffee. At HG Coffee School, our Barista Level 1 course is priced at $199. This full-day course covers everything a beginner needs to start their career as a barista, ensuring you get the best possible foundation for employment.
To find a quality barista school, it’s important to do a bit of research. Start by examining the school’s website: check whether the images are authentic and professional rather than generic stock photos. Look for information about their trainers: are they experienced and currently active in the industry? Also, consider the quality of the equipment they use: a reputable school will have modern, high end gear. Additionally, a specialized barista school will focus solely on coffee, rather than offering a broad range of unrelated courses like bartending or first aid. This focus ensures that you’re getting up to date, specialized training that’s relevant to your career as a barista.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and stepping into the barista world with no prior experience is completely normal. At HG Coffee School, we understand the challenges of beginning your barista journey, which is why we offer the only Barista Level 2 course in South Australia. This advanced course focuses on repetition, practice, and building speed and efficiency. In addition, we provide valuable work experience for our Level 2 graduates, ensuring that you’re not only confident but also job ready. With the right training and support, you’ll be well prepared to succeed in the barista industry.
Not at all! In fact, it’s quite enjoyable. Our approach at HG Coffee School is very hands on and pragmatic. We believe in teaching by doing, so you’ll learn as you go, with guidance and support every step of the way. This makes the course both fun and effective, ensuring you gain confidence and competence in a supportive environment.
For those starting out, our Barista Level 1 course is the perfect introduction. It’s a comprehensive six and a half hour single day course, designed to give you a solid foundation. For those looking to deepen their knowledge and skills, we also offer a Barista Level 2 course, which adds another six hours of training. This course introduces new skills and techniques to help you refine your craft. Additionally, we provide a Barista Mentorship program, which includes two extra hours of hands on practice with the coffee machine and two hours dedicated to latte art training. Together, these courses and mentorship sessions give you a comprehensive view of the barista journey and help you decide how much time you’d like to dedicate.
Absolutely! And we’re not just saying that because we are in the business of training. The value of a barista certification is closely tied to the reputation of the training organization. When you earn your certification from a respected school like HG Coffee School, it signals to employers that you’ve received quality training. On the other hand, if your certification comes from a less reputable school, many cafe owners can quickly recognize the lack of quality in the training. This can result in fewer interview opportunities and limited career prospects. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a reputable school to ensure your certification truly reflects your skills and boosts your career.
While nationally recognized training does have its place, its value can vary significantly in the eyes of many cafe owners. The training provided by some Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) often lacks depth and quality, leading to a poor reputation. As a result, many cafe owners have had negative experiences with candidates who hold nationally recognized certifications, and they may be hesitant to consider them for employment.
At HG Coffee School, we do offer nationally recognized training, but we recommend it primarily for those who plan to pursue further studies in hospitality, such as a diploma in hospitality or commercial cookery, where it can contribute to recognition of prior learning. For those solely focused on becoming skilled baristas, we believe that quality, hands-on training in our Barista Level 1 and Level 2 courses is far more valuable. Ultimately, it’s the reputation of the training that matters most, and we prioritize delivering exceptional, industry-focused education.
In Australia, the minimum hourly wage for a casual Level 2 barista under the Hospitality Industry Award is about $33.45. Rates can vary depending on location, the type of establishment, and the barista’s experience. Ultimately, a barista’s pay is influenced by their skill level and the employer’s requirements. We have known baristas earning $35 to $40 per hour because of how good they are with customers and their exceptional barista skills.
















