This course is suitable for those who have little or no experience in the coffee industry. It will give you the basic knowledge and skills required to gain employment in the industry or to make that perfect cup for yourself at home. Topics covered are: understanding the roasting process-raw to roasted, understanding the equipment and troubleshooting problems, controlling the extraction, learning how to be consistent, understanding milk and texture, differences in coffees on the menu, techniques to execute the above FAST and under pressure. Certificate provided by La Crema Coffee. Course held at La Crema Coffee, St Marys.

The Gentilcore Family from La Crema Reserve Roastery has been associated with the WEA since 2004.

Brittney Bates has spent nearly 20 years working at La Crema with the Gentilcore family, growing up alongside the company and perfecting the art of espresso with confidence and consistency. With two decades of hands-on experience, she has developed not only exceptional barista skills but also a genuine passion for sharing her knowledge with others.

As a patient and enthusiastic teacher, Brittney welcomes students from all walks of life, whether you’re curious about coffee basics, looking to upskill for a barista role, or simply eager to brew better coffee at home. Her classes are practical, approachable, and filled with tips and tricks that make all the difference. Every student leaves with new confidence and the know-how to create their perfect cup.

Barista Course – Introduction

Course Description

Whether you dream of working in the coffee industry or simply want to craft the perfect cup at home, this introductory barista course is designed for complete beginners. 

Over two engaging sessions, you’ll explore the full journey of coffee from green beans to roasted perfection and build the essential skills every barista needs. 

With expert demonstrations, hands-on practice, and a guided tour of La Crema Coffee Roasters, you’ll gain both the theory and the practical know-how to create delicious, café-quality coffee.

The first session introduces you to the fundamentals: the roasting process, equipment, tools of the trade, milk texturing, and how to prepare every beverage on a standard menu. 

You’ll also cover coffee storage, cleaning processes, and the all-important “dos and don’ts” of barista work. 

In the second session, you’ll step behind the machine yourself, putting all that knowledge into practice by making coffee for the full session, learning how to work quickly, consistently, and with confidence.

Students who complete the course will receive a certificate from La Crema Coffee.

Course Structure

The course runs over two sessions and balances observation, theory, and practice.

In the first session, students receive a Barista Fundamentals booklet and are introduced to the entire coffee-making process. 

You’ll learn how coffee is roasted, from raw green beans through to the perfect roast, during a tour of La Crema Coffee Roasters. Back in class, you’ll explore grinder calibration, extraction timing, milk texturing, and the tools of the trade. 

Demonstrations will cover how to make every drink on a standard café menu, from espressos to lattes, with tips on achieving speed and consistency. You’ll also cover coffee storage, end-of-day cleaning, and the key dos and don’ts for barista work.

The second session is entirely hands-on. Students will take to the machine for the full 2.5 hours, practising everything learnt in week one. 

Under tutor guidance, you’ll prepare a range of coffees, troubleshoot extraction or milk-texturing problems, and develop speed without compromising quality. 

By the end of this session, students will have practical experience making café-standard coffees and the confidence to do so consistently.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the roasting process from raw to roasted beans
• Correctly calibrate grinders and control extraction times
• Texture milk to achieve perfect consistency and temperature
• Prepare and present a full range of standard coffee beverages
• Recognise and troubleshoot common equipment or coffee issues
• Maintain correct cleaning and storage practices
• Produce latte art with confidence
• Work efficiently to deliver quality coffee under pressure.

Course Venue

This course is held at La Crema Coffee Roasters located at 8 Denis Street, St Marys.