Barista Basics Course

The Basics is a practical introduction to working behind the coffee bar, designed to build confidence, consistency, and strong day-to-day habits from the very beginning. Ideal for Baristas, Front of House teams, and new starters, this course focuses on the essential foundations required to work confidently in a café environment. Participants will gain an understanding of espresso workflow, equipment handling, drink preparation, and the standards that support consistent coffee quality during service. Through guided practical exercises and repetition-based learning, trainees will develop confidence behind the bar while learning how workflow, cleanliness, communication, and consistency all contribute to great customer experiences. Your team will learn how to: Understand the purpose and function of espresso equipment Follow clean and consistent espresso workflow Prepare espresso using dose, yield, and time targets Adjust grind size and understand basic dial-in principles Steam milk safely and consistently Build core coffee menu drinks Maintain clean working practices during service Troubleshoot common beginner mistakes behind the bar By the end of the workshop, participants will feel more confident operating espresso equipment and contributing positively during service. The result is faster onboarding, improved workflow confidence, stronger drink consistency, and a more capable team from day one. Delivered by the North Star Coffee Academy, this course combines practical barista training with real-world café expectations to help new starters build strong foundations that last beyond the training room. Format: 5-hour workshop (whole day) Hands-on, practical delivery Suitable for beginners