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

April 2025

29

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

29th April 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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May 2025

06

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

May 6th 2025 (9:30am - 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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09

Home Barista Course

Friday 9th May 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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13

Core Barista Skills - Module 1

13th May 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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23

Home Brewing Course

23rd May 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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29

Advanced Milk - Module 3

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

Refine your milk skills for greater efficiency and enhanced presentation: What is in our milk? Multiple drinks making and workflow techniques Latte art fundamentals Patterns - hearts, rosettas, tu...

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June 2025

10

SCA Intermediate Barista Skills Course

10th and 11th June 2025

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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13

Home Barista Course

Friday 13th June 2025 (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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17

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

17th June 2025 (9:30am - 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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July 2025

07

SCA Foundation Barista Skills Course

July 7th 2025 (9:30am - 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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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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