Welcome to the bustling city of Vancouver, the heart of British Columbia, Canada, where bartending thrives with endless opportunities for those interested in the industry. In this guide, we’ll look at the best bartending courses available in Vancouver to embark on your bartending journey.
Top Bartending and Cocktail Courses Vancouver, Britsh Columbia.
Here are three courses we found that have good reviews.
Fine Art Bartending School
The school has been providing bartender training in Vancouver since 1981. Fine Art Bartending’s 32-Hour Commercial Bartending course covers essential bartending knowledge, practice behind a bar, learning to make over 100 different cocktails, pairing liquors and mixes, upselling tips, and more. The course is available in day, evening, and weekend sessions, and it provides a Commercial Bartender Certificate upon completion. The cost is $675.
Address: 432 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC
Website: fineartbartending.ca
Brandywine Bartending School
Brandywine Bartending School, located in Strathcona, Vancouver, offers comprehensive bartending courses and speciality classes designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the hospitality industry.
Their Complete Bartending Course costs $849 and offers a 16-hour instruction course that offers training in advanced and basic drink making, wine tasting and sales, world of bitters syrups and infusions, and more. It includes an exam, textbook, and all materials. Additionally, they offer a “Modern Classics” and a “World of Bitters” course for $125 each, which are two-hour complete bartending classes.
Address: Strathcona, 241 Union St, Vancouver, BC
Website: brandywine.ca.
Herbology School
The Herbology School offers a Cannabis Infusion Bartending Course for $199.00. This course covers how to infuse cannabis into butter, oil, alcohol, and other mediums and how to cook with these infusions.
Website: herbologyschool.com
Metropolitan Bartending School
Unfortunately, this well-respected school has closed as of 2023. According to their website, they hope to reopen again in the future.
Cocktail and Mixology Classes in Vancouver
Coupe and Co.
Coupe and Co offer cocktail-making classes as a team-building exercise to improve communication and cooperation among team members. Team-building events last for 1.5 hours and can be completely virtual.
Address: 41328 Skyridge Place, Squamish, BC
Website: https://www.coupeandco.com/
Why Attend a Bartending School in Vancouver?
Deciding to attend a bartending school is a significant step towards becoming a professional bartender, and Vancouver is a city that offers a plethora of high-quality training programs.
Quality of Training
In Vancouver, bartending schools employ experienced instructors who teach students the art of bartending, from crafting drinks to managing a bar. These professionals impart their knowledge and skills, ensuring students learn the basics of bartending and the nuances that set apart an average bartender from a great one.
Network and Job Opportunities
Bartending classes in Vancouver also provide a platform to network with other bartenders, businesses, and event organizers. This exposure opens up a world of job opportunities, often leading to exciting job offers even before course completion.
Certificate Programs
Completing a certificate program from a recognized bartending school in Vancouver can boost your employability, allowing you to stand out in the competitive job market. These certificates prove your skills and training, making them valuable assets in your bartending career.
How to Choose the Right Bartending School
Choosing the right bartending school is a personal decision, and there are several factors to consider before making your choice.
Course Content
Look for a course covering all aspects of bartending, from drink preparation to customer service, to ensure a well-rounded education.
Instructors
The instructors at the school are crucial as they will be your guides in this journey, so ensure they have extensive experience and a passion for teaching. A good instructor can distinguish between a mediocre bartender and an excellent one.
Serving Alcohol Certification
A course that provides a certificate upon completion can be beneficial as it is proof of your training and can help you secure a job. When considering a course, check if they provide certification and if the industry recognizes the certificate.
In addition, in British Columbia, you must be 19 and have your Serving It Right (SIR) certification to serve alcohol, which you can take online.
Looking Ahead: Stepping into the World of Bartending
Becoming a professional bartender in Vancouver is a journey filled with learning, fun, and the potential for a rewarding career. Not only can bartending be a lucrative profession, with bartenders making as much as $200-$300 per night in tips in some establishments, but it’s also a great way to make lasting friendships and enjoy a vibrant work environment. Plus, with a job outlook projected to rise 32% over ten years, the opportunities for finding suitable employment are abundant. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Vancouver’s bartending courses offer something for everyone. So why wait? Start your bartending journey in Vancouver today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What qualifications do I need to start a bartending course?
Most bartending courses require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require a high school diploma. However, the best qualification is a passion for the craft and a desire to learn.
How long does it take to complete a bartending course?
The duration of bartending courses can vary. Some intensive programs can be completed in a few weeks, while part-time courses may take a few months.
Do I need any experience to enrol in a bartending course?
Not necessarily. Many bartending courses are designed for beginners with no previous experience.
Can I bartend part-time?
Absolutely! Bartending is a flexible job that can be done full-time or part-time, depending on your schedule and needs.
