This professional specialises in preparing coffees at restaurants. Baristas can end up becoming true artists in preparing coffee drinks and know how to adapt the blend and exact types to the customers' wishes. In the strict sense of the word, baristas are specialists in preparing espresso drinks although, depending on the type of establishment where they work, they also perform other functions, such as preparing hot chocolate, tea and other herbal teas.

• Responsible to grinding coffee and weighing the right amount to make it.
• Choose the variety of coffee ordered by the client and mix it as required.
• Control the variables that affect the making of a good cup of coffee, such as the type of water, the roasting, how much it is ground, the pressure, the temperature of the coffee maker, etc.
• Depending on the type of establishment, they may also be responsible for preparing hot chocolate drinks, teas and other brews, as well as breakfast dishes or snacks.
• Check stock in storage and ensure raw materials required are duly ordered.
• Tell the customer about the varieties of coffee available, where they come from and their characteristics.
• Prepare coffee to suit customers' wishes.
• Perform maintenance of and clean the coffee maker and the utensils that are part of it.
• In some more specialised establishments they may also be responsible for the choice of mug/cup and the temperature of this when the coffee is servd.

Regulated training and graduates

• Professionalism Certificate: Basic restaurant and bar operations (Level 1)
• Professionalism Certificate: Basic catering operations (Level 1)
• Professionalism Certificate: Bar and café services (Level 2)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Hotel and Tourism Sector - Intermediate Level: Restoration services

Other specific skills

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Customer orientation: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Orientation within reach: Level 1

Initiative: Level 1

Planning and organisation: Level 1

Customer service

Direct and personal interaction with people and relating to the public are highly-motivating activities for individuals who have an interest in the field of customer service. A focus on people and on satisfying customers' needs is key in the occupations included in this field. These jobs entail the need to know suitable techniques for attending to the public and being able to give appropriate service that is tailored to their needs and expectations. Good examples are activities which offer assistance and guidance during functions, trips or at facilities, and those which provide advice in relation to products and services.

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Waiter / Waitress

Bartender

Kitchen assistant

Catering organiser

Host / hostess

• Work hours

  Full-time and very flexible, with long days; morning, afternoon and night shifts and work on holidays.

• Salary

  From 13.501 and 16.500 euros per annum gross, depending on experience, degree of specialisation and above all the type of establishment. Median: 14.925 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Non-specialist staff