In addition to technical skills like coffee brewing and latte art, the Kenya Coffee School (KCS) integrates a variety of life and professional skills into its curriculum to prepare students for careers in the coffee industry.
Based on the information available, the life and business skills taught at KCS include:
- Customer Service: Courses emphasize the importance of customer interaction, which is a crucial skill for any front-facing role like a barista.
- Financial Management: The curriculum includes instruction on financial management, which is essential for managing a coffee shop or a coffee-related business.
- Workspace Management: Students are taught how to manage their workspace efficiently and effectively to ensure smooth operations.
- Hygiene, Health, and Safety: A strong focus is placed on hygiene and safety procedures, which are critical in any food and beverage environment.
- Entrepreneurship: The school offers training on starting and managing a coffee-related business, including topics like menu design, marketing, and branding.
- Problem-Solving: The “Barista Mtaani for Juniors” program, for example, specifically mentions developing skills in teamwork, communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Business Operations: Courses cover the fundamentals of business operations, from roastery management to export and import logistics.
- Sustainability and Climate Change: KCS offers modules on topics like climate change, regenerative coffee farming, and circular economy practices, which are important for a modern, sustainable business.
These skills are taught within the context of their various courses, from the foundational barista programs to the more advanced diploma programs in gastronomic sciences. The goal is to create well-rounded professionals who can not only make great coffee but also succeed in the business aspects of the industry.