Bartenders
Bartenders mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.
Essentially, a bartender is any person who makes and serves alcoholic and some non-alcoholic beverages from behind a bar.
A bartender’s job is such that can be done from nearly anywhere in the world. Bartenders normally work in licensed establishments that include bars and restaurants, resorts, hotels, casinos and taverns. A bartender may have other tasks to do such as serving food, taking inventory and providing general customer service.
Bartenders’ training involves instructions for cleaning glasses, utensils, and bar equipment and also collecting money for drinks served. They are coached to provide end to end services in the bar from balancing cash receipts to checking identification of customers and verifying age requirements for purchase of alcohol. The bartender training equips you with the knowledge of alcoholic beverages and how they are served to satisfy and make customers happy.
You don't have to attend a formal bartending school to become a bartender as the majority of the skills you learn in an internship or on the job. For instance, you'll learn different techniques of pouring liquor and even how to craft the perfect cocktail.
Bartending is a key job in the restaurant industry and the outlook for opportunities are very positive. To be a successful bartender, you should have the ability to make friendly conversations with new people. With a pleasing and neat personality, you should be organized and methodical. You should be prepared to handle different situations and handle crowds.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- BHM Bachelor of Hotel Management
- B.A. Culinary Arts
- B.Sc. Hotel Management and Catering Technology
- Diploma Food Production
- Diploma Food and Beverage Service
Tasks
- Collect money for drinks served.
- Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
- Balance cash receipts.
- Attempt to limit problems and liability related to customers' excessive drinking by taking steps such as persuading customers to stop drinking, or ordering taxis or other transportation for intoxicated patrons.
- Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
- Take beverage orders from serving staff or directly from patrons.
- Serve wine, and bottled or draft beer.
- Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
- Mix ingredients, such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, and bitters, to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
- Serve snacks or food items to customers seated at the bar.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to any of our Premium packages and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.