The Highfield Level 2 Award in Barista Skills (RQF) at Kushinda Academy is an intensive, hands-on programme designed for individuals passionate about coffee and aspiring to master the art of professional coffee preparation. This regulated qualification provides comprehensive training in espresso extraction, milk texturing, beverage creation, and customer service, equipping learners with the skills and confidence to excel as baristas in specialty coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and catering environments. 

This qualification covers essential barista skills and knowledge, including: 

• Principles of coffee origin, processing, and roast profiles.
• Espresso machine operation, maintenance, and cleaning.
• Milk texturing techniques for a variety of hot and cold beverages.
• Beverage construction, presentation, and latte art fundamentals.
• Customer service, sales, and workflow efficiency in a café setting.

• Earn an internationally recognisedOfqual-regulated qualification from Highfield, a leading provider of compliance qualifications.
• Gain hands-on experience using professional espresso machines and grinders.
• Master the fundamentals of espresso extraction, milk steaming, and latte art.
• Learn customer service skills tailored to specialty coffee environments.
• Fast-track your entry into the growing specialty coffee industry.

Core Barista Techniques & Knowledge  Sample Headline

• Coffee basics: bean varieties, roast levels, and grind calibration.
• Espresso extraction: dosing, tamping, and evaluating shot quality.
• Milk science: steaming, texturing, and pouring for drinks like cappuccinos and flat whites.
• Equipment maintenance: daily cleaning, troubleshooting, and machine care.

Practical Application & Professional Development

• Hands-on practice: pulling shots, milk steaming, and free-pour latte art.
• Building a menu: understanding drink recipes, modifiers, and specialty beverages.
• Customer interaction: order taking, drink presentation, and handling complaints.
• Speed, consistency, and working efficiently under pressure.

Graduates of this programme will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and certification required to confidently pursue roles as baristas in specialty coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, and mobile coffee businesses, with a strong foundation for career advancement in the coffee industry.  Sample text. Click to select the Text Element.