Bartender Training Programs

Bartender training and bartending classes will provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a professional bartender.

Some questions you may have are: How do I become a bartender? How much is Bartending School going to cost me? Do I need bartending certification? Bartending school is a practical, affordable and way to start a new career. To become a successful bartender, also known as a mixologist, takes years of practice. Mixology is the art of combining various ingredients to make cocktails. There are some things that good bartenders need to know to run a bar effectively. For a bar to be successful, you need to know the basics of wine, beer, liquor, spirits and mixers, as well as the right equipment and the proper technique for mixing drinks and cocktails as well. Bartenders fill drink orders from patrons. They are responsible for checking the identification of customers to ensure they meet the minimum age requirement for the purchase of alcohol and tobacco products.

Bartending Courses and Education

While there are no specific educational requirements for most food and beverage jobs, many employers prefer to hire high school graduates, including bartender training. Some bartenders attain their knowledge and skills through formal vocational training by attending bartending schools or a vocational and technical school where bartending classes are taught.

Some online bartending school do exist. They offer a comprehensive curriculum, where students can access reading materials and attain access to the practical side of their course preparation. Some bartending schools also send the students the necessary books that contain recipes guides on how to make popular mixed drinks and cocktails as well as strategies for creating your own specialty drinks.

These bartending programs include instruction on State and local laws and regulations for serving alcohol, cocktail recipes, proper attire, professionalism, and conduct, as well as stocking bars. Specialized training is often needed in food handling and legal issues of serving alcoholic beverages. Bar tending courses can last a couple of weeks to a few months. The cost of the program of study varies by the individual school.

Bartending Careers

A career as a professional bartender is fun and exciting, and appeals to people of all ages over the legal age to handle and serve alcohol. Bartender jobs are often held by those looking to better their career, college students taking on part-time work, and professional career workers who wish to supplement their income. Bartenders prepare mixed drinks and cocktails, serve bottled or draught beer, and pour wine or other beverages. They must know a wide range of drink recipes and be able to mix drinks accurately and quickly.

Some establishments use equipment to automatically measure, pour, and mix drinks. With bartending jobs, bartenders must be able to operate this equipment. However, much of a bartender's work must be done manually. Bartenders must still be able to work quickly to handle large volumes of drink orders and be knowledgeable of the ingredients for drink requests.

Besides mixing and serving drinks, bartenders stock and prepare garnishes for drinks; maintain an adequate supply of ice, glasses, and other bar supplies; and keep the bar area clean for customers. They also may collect payment, operate the cash register, wash glassware and utensils, and serve food to customers who dine at the bar.

With bartender training you may also be responsible for ordering and maintaining an inventory of liquor, mixers, and other bar supplies. Most employers prefer to hire bartenders who are 25 or older and have a full knowledge of state and local laws concerning alcohol sales. Bar tenders should remain cognizant of their responsibilities, especially when in doubt about the possible under-age or level or intoxication of patrons.

Expected Salary and Project Career Growth

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of bartenders will grow about as fast as average, which is projected at 10% between 2008 and 2018. Bartenders earn a median hourly wage (including tips) of $8.54. The middle 50 percent earn between $7.53 and $10.98. The lowest 10% earn less than $7.00 while the highest 10% earn over $14.93 an hour. Bartender training is an added advantage to earning a higher level of income. Bartenders working in public bars often earn over half of their earnings from tips.

Bartender training and the hospitality industry