NWRC launch coffee culture course for baristasBy Aoife CurranAre you interested in a career within the food and drink industry? Or do you have your sights set on becoming a champion international barista? North West Regional Colleges (NWRC) International Barista Level 2 Award is for you.NWRC Business Development Executive, Marc McGerty explained: ‘’We have been engaging with coffee shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels across the North West and the development of skilled and qualified baristas is one of the most common training requirements raised by industry.“With this qualification you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to prepare and serve hot and cold drinks in any environment. You will also learn about various barista techniques including coffee grinding skills and latte art.“Through the Department for the Economy (DfE) Skills Focus Programme, we have been able to secure funding for this innovative course which reduced the cost significantly to £55 per person. The 21-hour course is typically run over 3 days but we’re also planning to deliver it over 6 evenings.’’Tutor Assessor, Gareth O’Connor, who delivers the course added: “During the training you will learn all of the important essential barista skills. We will teach you what coffee is, how it grows and how it is harvested. We explain how coffee is roasted and we talk about freshness and packaging.“We undertake lots of practical work in the course such as producing the finest espressos, macchiatos, flat whites, lattes, americanos, cappuccinos, teas, hot chocolates and cold frappes. We will talk you through the process step by step and show you how to calibrate a coffee grinder, how to use good dosing techniques, how to tamp the coffee and look for the perfect extraction.”For more information about the International Barista Level 2 Award call 02871276488 or email marc.mcgerty@nwrc.ac.uk