Time to party, because in the past few weeks the Temper Academy has started again. With various barista workshops, hospitality training courses and professional photo shoots, hundreds of FreeFlexers have been given the opportunity to become more proficient in the hospitality industry. Simon (21), participant of the barista workshop, looks back on it with a good feeling: "I found it really instructive and I will definitely benefit from it in the future."
The first one: Master your coffee skills
Coffee, for many people a basic necessity of life. So, there are plenty of coffee drinkers, but making the most beautiful cappuccino or the tastiest espresso requires some skills. Many FreeFlexers believed they could use some skills in the barista profession and signed up for the workshops in no time.
Simon (21): "Before the summer, I had to turn down a few shifts because I didn't know how a coffee machine works. So when I saw this workshop pass by, I thought, 'OK, I just have to do this. I have time now and I'll regret it if I don't do it'."
In cooperation with GUUS Koffie in Haarlem, several sessions were organised in which these FreeFlexers could develop their baristaskills in 2 hours.
From the perfect espresso to a great cappuccino
After the theoretical explanation of coffee, it was time to put the knowledge into practice. The trainer explained the steps to the perfect espresso. You can tell whether you're dealing with a good espresso by the cream layer. With a good espresso like this, you can also make a perfect cappuccino.
The next step was to create the ideal milk froth and then pour a cappuccino out of it. Not easy, but after enough practice and help from the trainer, everyone managed to get a tasty cappuccino on the table. Now on to latte art!
Workshop 2: Become a hospitality hero
What if you would like to work in the service, but you only have dishwashing experience? Then a hospitality training course comes as a gift from heaven. This was also the case for FreeFlexer Jelle (19): "I have only ever worked shifts in the dishwashing kitchen or as a cleaner. Now I would like to work more as a waiter and also as a barista. That seems like more fun."
Guus of GUUS Koffie has been in the hospitality business for years and could not wait to make a new group of FreeFlexers more proficient in hospitality and service. Here too, the focus was on the basics: setting a table, walking with three plates, uncorking wine and walking with a full tray.
But also: how do you deal with 'difficult' guests? What does hospitality mean? These and other questions were addressed. The FreeFlexers acted out in pairs certain situations that can occur with guests. This allowed them to get to know each other better and, of course, to learn what the best possible reaction would be if one of these situations arose.
Dotting the i's: Boost your profile
With all the skills they acquired during the workshops, these FreeFlexers come a long way in finding the best shifts. But to really stand out to a client, a strong photo of yourself on your profile is extremely important. During the Boost your profile events, FreeFlexers could have their best picture taken by a professional photographer. The photos are great and we will see them on their profiles soon!
The enthusiasm of both the FreeFlexers and the organisers made the events a great success. We are already looking forward to the next training sessions. To be continued!
