You want to be a barista. I get it. You’re probably picturing yourself pulling espressos and steaming milk all day long. And while that might be your dream job, it’s not as easy as you think to become a barista.
If you’re wondering whether or not you can become a barista at 14 years old,
The answer is yes, you absolutely can. However, there are things you’ll need to do in order to make sure you’re prepared for the job and a few ways you could work your way into the coffee world at a young age.
I have talked to some coffee pros and gotten their tips on how to become a barista at 14 years old. Keep reading for their advice.
Legal Requirements for Young Baristas
So you want to be a barista? That’s great!
But before you can start slinging lattes, there are a few things you need to know.
In the United States, the legal working age is 14.
This means that you can be a barista at 14 years old, as long as you follow the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor.
These regulations state that young workers can only work a maximum of 3 hours per school day and no more than 18 hours per week when school is in session.
In addition to meeting these restrictions, all young workers must also have a work permit from their school district.
So before you start applying for barista jobs, make sure you’re in compliance with all the relevant laws and your paperwork is in order.
Prerequisites for Becoming a Barista at 14
There are a few prerequisites you need to meet before becoming a barista at 14.
First, you need to be of legal age to work in your state or country.
Second, most coffee shops require that their baristas have some level of experience in customer service.
This could be through previous work or volunteer experiences.
Finally, many coffee shops prefer their baristas to have some level of training in coffee making and latte art.
If you meet all of these prerequisites, then you’re ready to start the process of becoming a barista at 14.
This includes submitting your resume and cover letter, going through the interview process, and potentially completing a training program.
Where Can I Find Jobs for Young Baristas?
Barista jobs are popping up all over the country, and there are a surprising number of companies that will hire 14- and 15-year-olds.
From big chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts to local mom-and-pop shops, it’s easier than you might think to land your first job behind the bar.
One thing to note is that many places have restrictions on how young their baristas can be.
So if you’re not of legal drinking age, be sure to check the age requirements before you apply.
That being said, there are still plenty of opportunities for young people who want to start working in coffee.
Do your research, and you’re sure to find a place that’s perfect for you.
Skills Needed to Be a Successful Barista at 14
At 14, you may be wondering what specific skills you will need in order to become a successful barista.
The most important skill is obviously the ability to make quality coffee drinks.
However, a successful barista must also possess good customer service skills, like being friendly and efficient with customers.
It’s also important to have a good understanding of the menu options and how the coffee drinks are made.
You should also be familiar with all the equipment used for making coffee drinks so you can use it safely and accurately.
Additionally, knowledge about coffee types and roasting methods can come in handy when preparing for orders.
Aside from technical skills, all baristas need to be able to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask efficiently, and work well independently or with others as part of a team.
In order to thrive as a barista at 14, find ways to practice these skills whenever possible!
Tips on Being a Good Barista at 14
If you are serious about being a barista at 14, there are some things you should keep in mind.
Here are some tips for success:
- Take any available training or certification program. Most large employers require their baristas to have certification, so it’s best to get ahead of the competition.
- Remember that you’ll need to follow the law. Many states don’t allow teens under 16 to use certain equipment, so check local regulations before applying for a job.
- Show up on time and be courteous and professional when dealing with customers and coworkers. This will show employers that you can be trusted with responsibility.
- Ask questions! Don’t be afraid to ask your managers or coworkers for help if you seem stuck or confused about something. Understanding the industry is key to becoming a successful barista at 14 years old.
- Have patience! Mastering new skills takes time and practice, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to learn all of the techniques.
How to Prepare for an Interview as a Young Barista
When you’re ready to apply for a barista job, it’s important to prepare for the interview.
Being well-prepared sets you apart as an applicant and will make employers feel more comfortable hiring you.
First, practice beforehand. Write down your answers to common interview questions, like
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want this job? or What do you know about being a barista?
You should also be prepared for questions about your customer service skills, how you handle stress in the workplace, and how well you work with others.
You’ll also want to dress nicely but not too formally, and make sure that you arrive early.
Bring a copy of your resume and any other relevant documents, along with a pen, so that you’re ready to take notes.
Finally, don’t forget to smile! Your enthusiasm may be the deciding factor in getting hired.
Where Can I Be a Barista at 14?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question since minimum age laws for barista jobs vary from state to state.
That said, the vast majority of states require you to be at least 16 to work as a barista.
However, if you’re 14 and live in one of the few states that don’t have an age requirement, such as California and Illinois, you can serve coffee in some coffee shops.
You may also be able to work in a smaller independent shop, as long as you have an employer willing to take you on.
But keep in mind that even if you live in an area with no official minimum age requirements, you may still be subject to certain labor laws regarding hours and compensation.
It’s important to look into any local guidelines before attempting to get a job as a barista at 14.
Is It Difficult for a 14-Year-Old to Work as a Barista?
A lot of people wonder if barista work is too much for a 14-year-old to handle.
The truth is that it can be challenging, depending on the age-appropriateness of the tasks delegated.
Limited to low-risk duties such as cashiering, table service, and cleaning, a 14-year-old barista gains invaluable experience in the workplace that can help form their future job opportunities.
For example, Starbucks requires workers to be at least 16 prior to working behind the counter, but they will make exceptions for those trying to gain work experience under the proper guidance.
While there are no specific rules or regulations in place that prevent 14-year-olds from becoming baristas, each individual case must be assessed on its own merit before employment is offered.
Is Barista a Good Job for High School Students?
Yes! In fact, being a barista is a great job for high school students for a few reasons.
First of all, it’s a great way to gain experience in the hospitality industry. You’ll learn valuable interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills that will serve you well no matter what career you choose.
Plus, baristas typically earn a competitive wage, and the setting is usually laid-back.
And if you’re looking for something to put on your resume or college applications, having barista experience looks really good because it shows that you have an understanding of the hospitality industry and are able to work under pressure while remaining professional.
And of course, when you’re working in a coffee shop setting, you get exposure to different types of people and cultures.
So if you’re interested in becoming a barista at 14 years old, it’s definitely worth exploring!
Conclusion
First and foremost, you’ll need to have some experience making coffee.
This can be done at home or at a coffee shop.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to have some experience in customer service.
This can be done by working in a retail setting or by volunteering.
Finally, you’ll need to be able to pass the barista certification test.
This test will test your knowledge of coffee and espresso drinks, as well as your ability to make them correctly.
If you can pass this test, you’ll be able to become a barista at 14 years old.
FAQ
Is being a barista a good first job?
The job is excellent for a first job. When you make the effort, you can grow significantly. Being surrounded by employees who are willing to pitch in will be helpful.
How old are most baristas?
Barista Age Distribution It’s interesting to note that baristas typically range in age from 20 to 30.
Is barista a fun job?
One of the most pleasurable jobs there is being a barista. To socialize, and working as a barista makes this possible. A barista’s day is made by watching customers’ faces light up when they receive a perfect espresso macchiato or nitro coffee.
