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 Program:

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

June 2025

24

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

24th June 2025 (9:30am - 12:30pm)

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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30

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

30th June 2025 (9:30am - 12:30pm)

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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View Details

July 2025

08

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

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

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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View Details
11

Home Barista Course

Friday 11th July 2025 (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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14

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

14th July 2025 (9:30am - 12:30pm)

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...

Read more
View Details
22

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

22nd July 2025 (9:30am - 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...

Read more
View Details
29

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

29th July 2025 (9:30am - 12:30pm)

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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View Details

August 2025

01

Home Barista Course

Friday 1st August (1.30pm – 4pm)

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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View Details
21

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

21st August 2025 (9:30am - 12:30pm)

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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View Details
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

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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View Details
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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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