Portland Roasting Coffee announces SCA Coffee Skills Program sessions

The SCA Barista Skills intermediate level course will take place November 4 and November 5, 2019, from 9am to 5pm daily. The two-day session will cover espresso theory and tasting, practical bar skills, equipment maintenance, cost management and more. Designed for the intermediate level, the class will discuss coffee origins, processing and the impact on flavor; refining espresso extraction; practicing latte art; steaming non-dairy milks; bar-flow & efficiency; health and hygiene on the bar; and cost management basics.

A written and practical exam for SCA Barista Skills Intermediate certification will immediately follow the class. The course costs $800 for SCA members, and $900 for non-members, which includes exam and certification fees.

The SCA Barista Skills professional level course is scheduled for January 29 through January 31, 2020, from 9am to 5pm daily. This three-day course provides in-depth discussions of espresso chemistry, brewing science, and barista technique. Join other cafe managers, coffee educators, and more in a class specifically geared for the experienced coffee professional. Participants must have completed the Barista Skills intermediate course testing before taking the professional level course. The course costs $1,100 for SCA members, and $1,200 for non-members, which includes exam and certification fees.

“Portland is home to some of the best baristas in the world and competition can be fierce when applying for a position,” explained Mark Stell, Managing Partner of Portland Roasting Coffee. “Aspiring baristas looking to land a job at their favorite coffeehouse, as well as entrepreneurs aiming to open their own shop, should strongly consider getting some training under their belt.”

Portland Roasting Coffee’s training facility offers an ultramodern training lab with industry-leading brewing equipment. The courses are led by Maggie Davis, a professional with more than 11 years experience in the coffee industry, including roles as barista, director of coffee, café manager, owner, educator and trainer. She has taught at multiple SCA Expos and developed the training department at Portland Roasting Coffee.

Each course is limited to six students, ensuring plenty of one on one instruction. Learn more and register at https://education.portlandroastingcoffee.com.

Portland Roasting Coffee is a wholesale and retail coffee company based in Portland, Oregon. Since 1996, Portland Roasting Coffee has sourced, roasted, and distributed high-quality specialty coffees locally and nationally from its location in Portland’s Central Eastside Industrial District. Through direct-source programs and global projects, the company works with farming communities and cooperatives to improve the quality of life for all members of the coffee supply chain.