Barista

As a barista you prepare and serve a wide range of coffee drinks — from espressos and flat whites to cold brews and latte art creations — using professional espresso machines, grinders, and brewing equipment. You take orders from customers, handle payments, and maintain a clean, welcoming service area throughout your shift. Your day involves checking deliveries, restocking supplies, following food safety and hygiene regulations, and executing opening and closing procedures. You work closely with kitchen staff, floor staff, and your café manager, and you are often the first point of contact for customers walking through the door.

There are no mandatory third-level qualifications to become a barista, making this an accessible entry-level role for Leaving Certificate students or school leavers. Subjects such as Home Economics, Biology, and Business can provide useful background in food science, hygiene, and customer service. Many baristas complete a QQI Level 5 Award in Barista Skills or a broader Hospitality and Catering programme through a College of Further Education or ETB. The Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) offers its own internationally recognised barista certifications, which are highly regarded by specialty coffee employers in Ireland. On-the-job training is the most common starting point, with employers often funding further skills development as you progress.