This is exactly the same way I feel about formal bartending classes. And no amount of schooling can replace that. I was first introduced to bartending school when I was managing the bar at a busy restaurant in Melbourne.
It was a tough bar to work behind and we needed a strong team. That meant hiring good staff and since I was the manager, it was my responsibility. One day I had this girl come in for a trial shift. I was genuinely surprised. You could start earning an income straight away.
Yet, here this girl was, a bartending school graduate. Even outside of my bar, she would struggle to find a bartending job. Anyway, at this point, I would just send an unsuccessful trial home. But I was intrigued. She clearly wanted to become a professional bartender enough to spend a large chunk of cash on school , so I felt obliged to show her the ropes.
She agreed. And for the next couple of hours, she got some REAL bartending experience. So when I found out that bartending courses existed, I was genuinely interested in them.
How could learning the theory of alcohol and how to mix drinks not be useful for an aspiring bartender? For that matter, any bartender! So I started looking into different programs, I read reviews, I scoured the bartending forums , and I even spoke with a friend who worked as a trainer at one of these schools.
Bar managers place NO weight on these courses because mixing drinks in a classroom setting is completely different to mixing drinks in a real bar. There are 2 main reasons why bartenders discourage formal bartending classes, scammy schools and arrogant graduates. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammy bartending schools out there. Because you want to avoid these scammy schools at all costs! And they think that they should be working the best shifts right away because they attended a 2-week course and they know what vodka is!
Experience is the king in this arena. Stay humble and be willing to work your way up. For instance, you learn the basics of the bar, how to mix drinks, the theory of alcohol, a few solid cocktail recipes, and it might even give you the confidence necessary to get out there and start looking for work. School can be a fun and interactive way to learn about bartending.
Most schools place an emphasis on theory. Even legit schools. Not all the theory you learn will be useful when you get a bartending job.
At the end of the day, what you make of bartending school is entirely up to you. Will it instantly transform you into an award-winning craft cocktail mixologist? Probably not. But from basic skills to increasing confidence and getting your foot in the door, there are numerous benefits to consider.
About Barcademy. Barcademy was founded by a team that is passionate about the trade. With many bartending schools being revealed as little more than cash-grabs, there was a need in the trade for something better. I remember my first job as a dishwasher. Sure, I learned how to wash dishes on an industrial level. I also learned how to properly plate, present, and cook food, where all the extra supplies were, how to stock the bar, and a dozen other things that no school could teach.
Similarly, a waiter or barback can learn how to judge crowd needs, how to fix broken bar equipment, and the individual needs of the bar they work in.
For her, learning how to be efficient while controlling a crowd is vital. Being kind and outgoing, while still keeping control because with alcohol, things can get out of control fast. For all the Facebook ads and clever copy, it seems that bartending school is somewhat less than necessary. While it does offer base knowledge that can be helpful to those just starting, a more thorough and free education comes from starting at the bottom and working their way up.
Few bartending schools will offer the successful job placement and critical tertiary skills required to become a successful bartender. Your email address will not be published. By Andrew Turnwall.
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