As you sip your coffee, latte or espresso this weekend, you might think there’s a crew of coffee masters, magically whipping up your drinks behind the coffee bar, but did you know that South Africa is actually experiencing a shortage of well-trained Baristas?
That’s why The Daily Buzz and in-house coffee roastery, Craft Coffee, have launched the very first locally developed and SETA accredited Barista training academy in Newtown, Johannesburg, in July.
I attended the event in Newtown earlier this month to find out more.
We were introduced to the 2013 South African and All Africa Barista champion, Lovejoy Chirambasukwa, who heads up Craft Coffee and is extremely passionate about the industry.
Lovejoy believes that trainees will benefit from both theoretical and technical training – learning everything from how to operate a grinder, to how to taste coffee and distinguish between the various flavours, blends and aromas.
I also chatted to The Daily Buzz, CEO, Andrew Brown, who says the academy will open doors for young people looking for good careers both overseas and locally, paving the way for further hospitality studies.
“Every new coffee bar needs at least five new Baristas. We want to improve the quality of Baristas and employ more young people.”
He is confident that there is a massive, growing market for coffee in South Africa. What really surprised me was to find out that a well trained barista can earn up to R25 000 per month
“A love for coffee is ‘stirring’, which is why we have to keep turning out better Baristas to serve up the very best cuppa.”
Want to visit the coffee masters and go on your own roastery tour?
The Craft Coffee café and roastery is located at 50 GwiGwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown and you can make a booking or find out more about training by emailing info@craftcoffee.co.za or calling (011) 492 0501.
Say Hello to the coffee masters on Instagram and Twitter – @craftcoffeesa and @thedailybuzzsa
