Barista Training
16/11/2018 2025-10-02 20:11Barista Training
Barista Training
Barista training courses
New Zealand-wide
Learn world-class barista skills
Our barista trainer works with Altura’s master roaster, Chris White, to develop the best barista training courses. Chris spends part of every year judging the judges at the World Barista Championships, so it’s easy to understand why Altura barista training is truly world-class.
Barista training for Altura wholesale customers
If your baristas need training at any level, we’d love to help. Our barista trainer can come and work with staff at your café or you are welcome to visit Altura’s specialist barista training centre in Auckland. We offer full range of barista training courses to make sure that your people are technically excellent at making coffee.


At Altura we want to make sure that our wholesale customers have all the resources and support they need to build a reputation for serving truly great coffee. Of course it all starts with choosing the finest coffee beans but that’s not the end of the story. Turning the beans into an amazing cup of coffee is all in the hands of the barista.
Research shows that if you consistently serve great coffee, customers will come back to enjoy the experience time after time.
Your Barista Questions, Answered
1. Becoming a barista
How do I become a barista?
To become a barista, you’ll need both coffee knowledge and hands-on skills. Altura’s training courses cover everything from understanding beans and brewing methods to milk texturing and latte art. Whether you’re starting fresh or upskilling, our Auckland-based Barista courses give you practical experience to work confidently in any café environment.
Can I become a barista with no experience?
Absolutely. Our Beginners Barista course is designed as a launch pad for you to begin making coffee in a café or at home straight away. We start with the basics—equipment use, espresso extraction, and milk texturing—so you leave with a strong foundation and the confidence to start your barista journey.
Do I need a certificate to be a barista?
While a certificate isn’t a legal requirement in New Zealand, having one can help you stand out to employers. Altura offers a certificate of completion for our barista training courses, showing you’ve been taught by industry professionals.
2. Barista training
What is a barista course?
A barista course is structured training that teaches you how to prepare café-quality coffee. At Altura, our courses blend theory, sensory and hands-on practices, covering espresso extraction, milk texturing, latte art, and cleaning/maintenance of equipment.
How long is a barista course?
Our Beginners Barista course runs for 1 1/2 hours, giving you plenty of hands-on time. We also offer shorter workshops and extended training options depending on your needs.
How long does it take to become a skilled barista?
With consistent practice after training, most people see significant improvement within a few weeks. Like any craft, the more you practice, with ongoing training, the better you’ll become. Our courses are the stepping stones in your coffee making path.
How do I get barista training?
You can book directly through our website for any of our Auckland courses. We offer one on one sessions for focused training and small group sessions for a corporate or social event. Or you can email info@alturacoffee.co.nz for more information.
Which barista course is best for me?
If you’re new to coffee, start with our Beginner Barista Course. For experienced baristas looking to refine skills, our Advanced Barista course or Beginners Latte Art course are ideal. We also have the Appreciation Course for home coffee enthusiasts.
3.Costs and location
How much does barista training cost?
Our Beginners Barista courses start at $145 per person. Prices vary depending on the type of course and how many people attend. All courses include use of premium equipment and Altura coffee beans.
Where can I do a barista course in Auckland?
Altura barista courses are held at our Auckland coffee roastery and training centre, fully equipped with commercial-grade espresso machines and grinders.
Can you train baristas on-site at our café?
We offer personalised on-site training for cafés and hospitality businesses who use or coffee beans. Contact our sales team for more information, info@alturacoffee.co.nz.
4. Coffee skills and techniques
How do you make barista-quality coffee at home?
Start with Altura roasted quality coffee beans and grind them immediately before brewing your cup of coffee. Our Appreciation Course will walk you through each step, from grind size to milk texturing, so you can create café-style drinks in your own kitchen.
How do I clean milk jugs like a barista?
Rinse immediately after each use with cold water, then wash with warm soapy water. For a deep clean, use our Cafetto Inverso milk jug cleaner to remove milk scale build up and keep your gear hygienic.
What is the best coffee machine for barista-style coffee at home?
It depends on your budget and preferences. We can guide you through all the options we have available. Our range of espresso machines are available online and showcased in our flagship café in Albany.
How do I improve my latte art?
Perfect latte art starts with perfectly textured milk. Our Beginners Latte Art course focuses on milk steaming and pouring techniques, that lead to applying the correct skillset to confidently create hearts, rosettas, and tulips.
5. Certification and career progression
How do I get a barista certificate?
Simply complete our Beginners Barista Course. We provide a certificate showing you’ve been trained by Altura Coffee’s expert trainers. We are not an accredited NSIA facility.
How do I become a certified barista trainer?
You’ll need advanced barista skills, industry experience, and the ability to teach others. Completing our Advanced training and gaining café experience is a great place to start.
6. Specialty questions
Can I train as a barista if I just want to make better coffee at home?
Yes. Our Beginners Barista course is perfect for coffee lovers who want to master espresso and milk texturing without aiming for a café job.
Do you offer barista training for hospitality businesses?
We do. We work alongside café operators and their staff to maintain consistent coffee preparation, quality control and customer service.