Everett Recovery Café’s Barista Training Program is a key component of our Member empowerment mission of sustained recovery transformation from trauma, substance use disorder and mental health challenges through human connection.
This program serves as a wraparound service, following a strengths-based, needs driven approach to help members achieve goals, improve their well-being, and boost self-confidence.
The Program
The BTP program is designed exclusively for Café members. The program provides training for an in-demand skillset able to put a Member back into the workforce in short order. Priority is given to those who have large gaps in their work histories, are lacking a marketable skill set, and are in need of recent work experience to gain employment.
- Scheduling – Both 6-week and an 8-week courses are available. The training schedule is Monday through Friday. The trainee and the course instructor collaborate to determine the training schedule.
- Participation – Only Café Members can participate in the BTP. Referrals to the program are made by Café staff, Recovery Coaches, or Recovery Circle facilitators. Members may also approach the BTP coordinator directly.
- Application – An application is required to be considered for the program. The purpose of the application is to determine member Café involvement and to confirm commitment to the time required for program completion.
The training includes:
- Familiarization with the coffee station, product location, and equipment operation.
- Preparation of the different beverages and ingredient portion control.
- How and when to clean the equipment and the coffee station.
- Member trainee will operate the coffee station during espresso hours solo for the last two weeks of training completion.
Completion
Upon completion of the Barista Training Program, trainees receive a certificate of completion acknowledging the skills required for coffee/espresso stand operation have been achieved. Follow up to training completion the barista instructor helps the newly certified barista build a resume.
The BTP builds Members self-confidence through:
- Learning dependability/keeping to a schedule.
- Building a professional relationship with co-workers.
- Building people skills through working with customers, some of whom will be regulars.
- Building communication skills.
- Enhancing decision-making skills.
All our coffee beans, equipment maintenance and training materials are generously provided by Caffé D’arte Coffee Roasters. Our coffee grinder and expresso machine are generously provided by Diedrich Espresso.
