Dark Woods have a long history of coffee education at the highest level. Co-founder Paul spent many years as the “lead creator’ for the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) Barista Qualifications. Now the largest coffee education program in the World, the qualifications did much to standardise best
practise worldwide, as well as bring scientific principles into the “art” of making coffee.

Courses are taught at the Mill by SCA accredited trainer Tom who is also on hand to deliver regular on-site training, audits and friendly encouragement to our wholesale customers.

TRAINING CALENDAR

What course is best for you?

We offer a range of courses, for the inquisitive home barista, through to skilled coffee professionals.

SCA Foundation, Intermediate & Professional Qualifications:

If a formal qualification is your aim, then this for you. A more structured and formal program, starting for beginners with the one-day Foundation course. Competent barista’s may advance their knowledge on the two-day Intermediate Course and then progress to the highest three-day Professional Course.

Dark Woods Modular Programme:

Alongside the SCA courses we also offer our very own unique modular training system that divides key coffee skills into six easily
digestible 90-minute sessions. Less formal and no exams! Each module has exercises, training resources and opportunities to measure and record staff attainment as well as downloadable training aids and tools designed to encourage best practise in the workplace.

Download our training guides (also see our Brewing page for guides to other brewing methods):

INTROduction TO COFFEE
MILK TECHNIQUES

August 2025

26

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

26th August 2025 (9:30 am - 4:30pm)

This course gets you up and running with all the key skills you need to operate your espresso machine, from setting your grinder for perfect espresso extraction, foaming and texturing your milk fo...

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September 2025

02

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

2nd September 2025 (9:30 am -12:30 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...

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11

Advanced Barista - Module 2

11th September 2025 (9:30am - 12:30pm)

Taking your espresso and milk skills to the next level! Understanding extraction and manipulating brew recipes Managing and maintaining your grinder Latte art - key techniques and classic pours W...

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12

Home Barista Course

Friday 12th September (10am – 12.30pm)

All the essentials for the budding home barista, including: Choosing the right espresso for you Understanding your equipment Dialling in a brew recipe Texturing milk Please note that this course ...

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16

SCA Intermediate Barista Skills Course

16th and 17th September 2025 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)

Broaden your understanding of coffee as an ingredient and explore the science of extraction and brewing. Learn enhanced espresso preparation techniques and skills to improve your latte art. Underst...

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18

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

18th September 2025 (9:30 am -12:30 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...

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26

Home Brewing Course

Friday 26th September 2025 (10am - 12.30pm)

Everything but espresso! Exploring the world of coffee Essential brewing principles Choosing home brewing equipment Hands-on brewing activities

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October 2025

01

SCA Professional Barista Skills Course

1-3 October 2025 (9:30am-4:30pm)

The final step on the SCA Barista Skills programme, this a challenging but hugely rewarding course that will stretch your skills and understanding. Building on the concepts introduced by the SCA ...

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08

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

8th October 2025 (9:30 am -12:30 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...

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20

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

20th October 2025 (9:30 am -12:30 pm)

All the practical espresso machine skills you need to deliver delicious drinks, including: Introduction to brew recipes Dialling in your grinder Steaming and texturing milk for a range of drinks E...

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December 2025

19

Home Brewing Course

Friday 19th December 2025 (1.30pm - 4pm)

Everything but espresso! Exploring the world of coffee Essential brewing principles Choosing home brewing equipment Hands-on brewing activities

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March 2026

27

Home Brewing Course

Friday 27th March 2026 (10am - 12.30pm)

Everything but espresso! Exploring the world of coffee Essential brewing principles Choosing home brewing equipment Hands-on brewing activities

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June 2026

26

Home Brewing Course

Friday 26th June 2026 (1.30pm - 4pm)

Everything but espresso! Exploring the world of coffee Essential brewing principles Choosing home brewing equipment Hands-on brewing activities

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ENTER THE DARK WOODS