Barista Course Brews Success for Local Couple at East Sussex College

When Bryan and Julie received the 2024/25 East Sussex College adult course guide through their letterbox, they saw an opportunity to try something new together.

Looking for a course that would take them outside their comfort zone, they came across the Barista Skills course - an option that seemed particularly fitting as their son, Craig, was setting up First Serve Café at the pavilion on Longlands Road in Old Town.

Neither Bryan nor Julie had much experience with coffee-making before enrolling. However, after completing the five-week course, they gained practical, hands-on skills and knowledge, achieving a Level 2 qualification in barista training.

Speaking to the College, Bryan said, “Both of us had little or no coffee-making skills or knowledge before starting the course. After five short weeks of this brilliant course that nearly took over our lives, we had the hand-on skills and knowledge for the level 2 qualification.”

The course, delivered at East Sussex College's Eastbourne campus, offered a professional and welcoming learning environment. The use of the college’s in-house café, equipped with industry-standard machinery, provided a realistic training experience. Under the expert guidance of King’s Restaurant Manager, Oliver, students developed their techniques and deepened their understanding of coffee preparation.

“From the moment we walked into reception to book the course to the final exam evening, it was a professional, friendly and welcoming experience,” Bryan told the College. “The use of the in-house cafe and its professional equipment helped enormously, as did having King's Restaurant Manager, Oliver, running the course. He was a superb tutor. Also seeing other courses being run in the kitchens allowed us to see the breadth of the courses on offer.”

Now, with First Serve Café open four days a week, Bryan and Julie work together each Sunday, putting their newfound skills into practice. Their qualification has not only enabled them to contribute effectively to the family business but has also inspired other employees to consider the Barista Skills course for themselves.

“With the cafe currently open only for four short days per week, we work together each Sunday. Simply, we couldn't have worked at the cafe without the qualification and experience. Others employed to work on other days have either now done the Barista skills course or are considering it.”

Beyond mastering the art of coffee-making, Bryan and Julie have found immense satisfaction in engaging with customers and integrating into their local community. The experience has proven to be both rewarding and socially enriching.

“We both agreed that interacting with customers and new work colleagues, whilst using the new skills to a certified level, has been the most satisfying thing,” said Bryan. “It's been a great way to socialise with the local community.”

For those considering further education or a new challenge, Bryan and Julie wholeheartedly recommend exploring the wide range of adult courses available at East Sussex College. Their journey is a testament to how learning a new skill can open doors to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.

They added, “We can't recommend ESC Eastbourne more highly, as the whole experience far exceeded our expectations. Find an adult course and see what you can learn. We did and now have the skill to provide a service to others.”