Today as a freelancer, if you want to earn money you need to have small competition. Freelancers need to learn new skills, new uncovered niche. One of them is – Espresso Machine Repair Expert!
As per the latest survey conducted by the NCA (National Coffee Association), coffee intake is on the rise among Americans, with an average individual paying $1,100 for coffee per year. Even though 79% of the surveyed people stated that they prefer home-prepared coffee, the demand for local coffee houses and brands like Starbucks is also increasing. This leads to a growing need for espresso machine repair technicians.
Espresso machine repair training technicians can get in espresso machine repair schools. In the USA and UK the most famous Espresso Machine Repair schools are SCAE and IBTA and in Italy Espressoacademy. The espresso machine repair training cost is between $250 – $3500.
While there is no standard educational criterion for espresso machine repair personnel, the aspirants can pursue relevant training courses from IBTA (International Barista Coffee Academy). Repair technicians carry out several tasks including maintenance, repair, and installation of espresso machines at restaurants and cafes.
Glimpse through the detailed educational criteria, job description, salary prospects, and other information related to the profession of an espresso machine repair personnel:
Educational Requirements
In order to get enrolled in an espresso machine repair school, you do not need to have any particular educational qualifications. Here, the aspiring technicians learn how to grind and extract the espresso product as well as hands-on repairing of the machine. Through this training, technicians also learn how to effectively explain the usage and maintenance of machines to the customers.
Generally, technicians do not need certification, license, or any other legal formalities to seek employment. However, having a certification boost the chances of good employment opportunities.
IBCA (International Barista Coffee Academy) at Tempe, Arizona, extends advanced and basic-level courses for training technicians. Aspirants can enroll in these courses by means of appointment. For the basic course, the academy charges a fee of $600 while the advanced training costs $1,400. The basic course is a one-day course that delivers training in repair and troubleshooting of several types of coffee machines. On the other hand, the advanced course spans three days and covers the basic training topics as well as the following lessons:
- Electronics and Electrical Concepts
- Hydraulic circuits of semi-automatic and automatic espresso coffee machines
- Systems and machine resources
- Milk-frothing and espresso-making tricks and tips
The advanced training focuses on hands-on activities where commercial machines are used by trainers to teach about different components and the principles of hydraulics, electrical, electronics, and troubleshooting.
Besides the above-mentioned programs, there is a five-day exhaustive maintenance course that includes one complete day field experience in addition to the advanced and basic course lessons. Also, you will be required to shadow an actual technician who will conduct three or more service calls for the retail locations at Tempe. For this program, you have to pay a fee of around $2,800.
Credentialing at IBCA is accomplished through SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association of Europe). Apart from repair and maintenance courses, candidates may also pursue training in roasting, brewing, and other barista skills. Though it is good to have several certifications, it is not compulsory for repair workers, coffee shop managers, or owners.
In the coming years, SCAE is planning to launch specialized programs in repair training. These programs will cover coffee preparation, shop management, electronics, hydraulics, preventative maintenance, and cleaning at advanced, intermediate, and basic levels.
Another option is to enroll at Espresso Academy, Italy. Situated in Florence, this academy offers a two-day training course in repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance. For the mandatory two days of the course, you will be charged $275, but if you opt for an additional third day, you have to pay $110 more. The third optional day is aimed at preparing technicians to service espresso machines at homes. The academy’s website displays a list of worldwide institutes and schools that provide training certifications in Italian Barista Techniques.
However, there are technicians who do not attend any such repair training course but receive on-the-job learning. This is an alternate option if you cannot attend training for some reason. For this, you may have to work as a barista for some period of time, and once you have proved your skills, your employer may sponsor you for a certified training course.
The espresso machine repair training cost
UK: Introductory Price £199 + VAT (7-hour course) per person
USA: Five Day IBCA Course // $2,795 including all materials
Italy online course: Espresso Machines Maintenance and Reparation Course 199 EUR
Espresso Machine Repair Job Responsibilities
Espresso machine technicians have a range of duties that include installing, maintaining, and repairing the coffee machines at restaurants, cafeterias, and similar places. Some technicians also tend to machine maintenance services at homes or repair shops. The small home-based coffee makers are generally repaired in shops that offer repair and maintenance services for all kinds of household appliances like sewing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc.
As a primary task, technicians do the installation of tubing and wiring systems to facilitate the normal operation of an espresso machine. With their technical knowledge, technicians ensure the regulation of pressure, volumetric dosing, and temperature. Further, they pick up the appropriate filter for the machine, based on the hardness, alkalinity, and other essential characteristics of the water.
Regular maintenance usually involves descaling, and replacement of burrs, gaskets, and showerheads of coffee makers.
Work Space
Repair technicians are sometimes required to work in congested spaces. They may also have to carry out duties when the restaurant or café is overcrowded with customers. Other times, technicians may need to travel to other commercial outlet locations in order to service the coffee machines. So, they must have reliable transport arrangements in place.
Besides, the technicians should have the physical stamina to kneel, bend, and lift the heavy machines, parts, and related things.
Salary Prospects
Depending upon the geographic location and other factors, espresso machine technicians earn around $15-35 on an hourly basis. The pay is mostly higher in posh areas and big cities where the living expenses are more. You may use a calculator like PayScale.com for checking the comparing the incomes and living costs of different locations across the US.