College is a time of learning, exploration of self, and expansion of horizons — and at Cornwall College in England, its a time to learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
Cornwall College created this new 20 hour course of study to address the lack of qualified baristas in the region.
Stuart Mathieson, head of hospitality at the college was quoted by thisiscornwall.co.uk as saying:
“Gastronomically, Cornwall is pretty good now with three-star Michelin restaurants, Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver – we need lots of excellent coffee to go with that.
“Coffee is, at meal times, the last experience you take with you. You can have a wonderful meal but you have a bad cup of coffee and it ruins it.”
The course of study is considered the equivalent of a level two National Vocational Qualification. According to Wikipedia, a Level 2 NVQ involves:
Competence that involves the application of knowledge in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of these activities are complex or non-routine and there is some individual responsibility or autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, is often a requirement.
Most of my coffee experiences have thankfully been very positive. If our friends across the pond are suffering in the hands of unskilled baristas, I welcome this course of study with open arms.
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