The Coffee Academy is an educational training operator standing in the service of the International Hospitality Industry for the upliftment of the standard of products offered in the Food & Beverage sector. The training will conclude the preparation and service of all Speciality Coffee beverages.

The Coffee Academy is providing specialized Barista training, currently offered by Bronwen Serna, a coffee professional for 7 years, currently on the Executive Council of the Barista Guild of America and a member of the Training Committee of the SCAA. She was the 2004 United States Barista Champion and finished 10th in the World Championships at Trieste, Italy also in 2004.

Bronwen is part of the team at Hines Public Market Coffee in Vancouver, Canada, one of The Coffee Academy 's professional advisors' business, John Sanders. John has over 18 years experience in coffee and coffee machines, roasting and brewing. John is a member of the Speciality Coffee Association of America, was a founding member of the United States Barista Championship committee and sits on the Technical Standards committee of the SCAA. John is also a Certified World Barista Championship judge, chairs the Technical Standards committee of the WBC and is an expert on coffee cupping. John assisted in the establishment of The Coffee Academy.

Vision Statement

Training South African Baristas to prepare good quality coffee and for the upliftment of the African Nation .

Mission Statement

• To train people in the Hospitality Industry in coffee related programmes,
• To ensure that this training is done in a professional manner,
• To ensure that each programme content is up to standard and can compete with any other country's programmes,
• To add value to the Hospitality Industry's products and services offered,
• To introduce quality African Speciality Coffee to the future South African Hospitality workers'
• To join in the upliftment programme of the African Countries.

Barista Training in South Africa

Coffee is consumed as a hot or cold beverage by about one-third of the world's population, and its total consumption is larger that that of any other beverage, except tea. As stated in the vision of the Eastern African Fine Coffee Association (EAFCA): "Improving the quality of life through the quality of coffee", this beverage certainly improves the lives of most South Africans as it claims to be the drink to be enjoyed first thing in the morning, while closing deals, during relaxation times and every time in between.

The question is whether the specialty coffee is being prepared correctly and is it prepared by well-trained baristas? Should this not be the case, the quality of the specialty coffee will decrease. Another question is whether South Africans are showing increasing interest in drinking quality prepared coffee?

South Africa is setting new global standards by ensuring that tourism is economically and socially sustainable. There is also no doubt that, as a preferred travel destination, South Africa is becoming increasingly globally competitive and a force to be reckoned with. (FEDHASA: Responsible Tourism Awards for the South African Hospitality and Tourism Industries 2004, Winners Guide).

When visiting South Africa, tourists should be offered the same or a better cup of quality coffee as they would receive in their own country. The primary function of a coffee shop is to deliver total quality products and services to its target markets. This can only be achieved by creating an environment in which management and staff are enabled to offer constantly improving quality work, generated from their educational and trained abilities. The question is raised of how to improve its employee's educational qualification.

The Coffee Academy aims to be accredited at the SETA Theta and offer a registered Unit Standard, "The Preparation of Speciality Coffee". The aim of this course will add credit to specified courses offered by Theta. The need for training employees or prospective employees in specific job allocations, should be highly considered by employers and training institutions. This is necessary for the sustainability of South Africa's tourism sector. Specialised service should be offered, thus specialized training is needed.

A qualification will improve the trainee's self esteem and add value to the type of service offered at the organization employed at. Professional service is sought after in the Hospitality industry, thus professional training is highly recommended. Baristas in coffee shops are trained by their managers, and not by professional trainers whom can provide them with an appropriate qualification as proof of their capabilities. Managers of coffee shops and restaurants are sufficiently trained by the various institutions, in the area of management, but not in preparing quality coffee.

POSTED: Friday, December 28, 2007