Students try their hands at being a Starbucks barista

Telford College students got the chance to learn how to be a barista when they stepped behind the counter at Starbucks.

The session was organised by Aramark, which runs the catering facilities at the college’s Wellington campus.

The facilities include an expanded Starbucks franchise where prices are guaranteed to be 20% cheaper than high street outlets.

The students were given a brief introduction into the aims and objectives of a franchise, and the importance of brand consistency, by Aramark assistant catering manager Jess Lewis.

They then had chance to step into Starbucks to create a range of popular drinks, following Starbucks recipes, where they were guided through the process by the college’s resident barista, Sara Davies.

Several of the students who volunteered for the training came from Telford College’s A Level centre, while others were on courses including IT, engineering, and health and social care.

Rosie Baldwin-Jones, the college’s enrichment co-ordinator, said: “We have run this barista workshop before, and it continues to be a great success.

“All the students thoroughly enjoyed it. They got to learn more about Starbucks’ business and branding, and what it means to be a barista. The Aramark team said they all did a fantastic job.

“We are working with the Aramark team to set up more interactive opportunities for our students to discover more about the world of catering and hospitality.”

pic: Barista Sara Davies shows student Viktoriia Humeniuk how to make a Starbucks beverage