BUILD YOUR COFFEE CAREER FROM THE GROUND UP
Whether you're stepping behind the bar for the first time or looking to sharpen your fundamentals, the Barista Foundation Course gives you the skills, confidence, and knowledge to craft exceptional coffee — every single time.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
EXTRACTION & MILK TEXTURING
Learn to "dial in" your espresso by balancing grind size, dose, and yield. We’ll break down how each variable impacts flavour, strength, and body, and how to achieve a well-extracted shot.
You’ll learn how to stretch and texture milk correctly, control temperature, and achieve the perfect microfoam for a range of drinks. We’ll also cover pouring fundamentals, helping you build a base for clean, consistent presentation.
THE CLASSICS
Get hands-on with the most popular espresso-based drinks and learn what sets each one apart. We’ll cover the correct ratios of espresso to milk, cup sizes, and the role of texture in defining each drink.
From the velvety smoothness of a flat white to the airy foam of a cappuccino, you’ll understand how to tailor your milk and pouring technique to suit each style.
WORKFLOWS
Learn how to work with speed, clarity, and control. An introduction to the fundamentals of workflow, helping you stay organised and consistent even during peak service.
We’ll cover sequencing drinks, managing multiple orders at once, and building a smooth flow between grinding, extracting, and milk preparation.
COFFEE BEANS
Go beyond the machine and explore what makes each coffee unique.
Learn how different growing regions influence the taste of coffee, from bright, fruit-forward profiles to rich, chocolatey notes. You’ll also gain an understanding of roast profiles and how they impact flavour, body, and solubility in the cup. From light to dark roasts, discover how roasting brings out different qualities in the bean and how this translates into your espresso.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 2 half days of hands on practice and coaching
- Course materials and tasting notes
- An overview of working in a café environment
- Certificate of completion from Your Local Coffee School
Small class sizes mean personalised attention and real practice time — not just watching from the back of the room.
BARISTA FOUNDATIONS
BARISTA FOUNDATIONS
Course starts at 7 AM and finishes for the day at 11 AM
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COURSE BOOKING POLICY
Minimum Enrollment:
Each workshop requires a minimum number of participants to proceed. If this number is not met, Your Local Coffee School reserves the right to reschedule or cancel the class.
Rescheduling Requests:
Students who wish to change their booking must contact us at hello@yourlocalcoffeeroaster.co.nz
at least 7 days before the scheduled class date.
Cancellations and Refunds:
2 weeks before class - 100% refundable, or can be rebooked.
1 week before class - non-refundable, can be rebooked.
Less than 7 days before class - non-refundable, cannot be rebooked.
FAQ
I'd like to learn coffee as a hobby. Which class should I take?
The barista workshop is the most suitable class for hobbyists or avid home baristas.
I'd like to learn on my own machine, which class is most suitable?
The 2-hour barista workshop is the one to book. It's designed for home baristas wanting to learn how to brew espresso and steam milk correctly.
Can I join a class even though I don't have a coffee machine?
Yes of course! And if ever you have plans to purchase a machine, we can help you with that too.
I'd like to become a barista and start working at a cafe. Which class should I take?
We recommend taking both the foundations and immersion classes to gain skills and have a good appreciation of how it is to become a barista in a cafe setting.
Is there an age requirement for the classes?
As all the classes require operating a coffee machine, the recommended minimum age is 15.
Do I need to taste the coffees I'll be making in class?
Yes, it is a requirement that students are able to appreciate coffee through tasting.