Welcome to the bustling city of Calgary, the heart of Alberta, where the art of bartending is not just a skill but a rapidly growing culture. This guide provides an in-depth look into Calgary’s bartending courses, their importance, and how they can shape your future in the bartending industry.
Calgary’s Top Bartending and Mixology Courses
Calgary AB Bartending School
The Calgary AB Bartending School offers comprehensive, government-certified bartending courses for students aged 18 to 108. Courses cover basics like wine, liquor, beers, 200+ mixed drink recipes, and more advanced topics. All equipment and learning materials are provided, and classes can be conducted either at the student’s home or at the school’s Calgary locations.
Courses also include understanding wine service and ways to detect illegal drunkenness. The cost ranges from $89.99/hr for in-home lessons to $429 for a certified basics class.
Website: https://bartending-school.ca/calgary-ab-bartending-school
Shelter YYC Cocktail Classes
The offered cocktail classes provide comprehensive mixology training, including cocktail making, understanding cocktail theory, learning professional techniques, and exploring the history of cocktails. Participants will also taste a variety of cocktails and learn how to create quality drinks at home.
Public classes are $80 per person, and attendees must be 18 or older. Changes to class bookings or cancellations due to COVID have specific requirements. Private classes can also be arranged.
Website: https://shelteryyc.com/calgary-cocktail-classes
The Bartending Scene in Calgary
Overview of Calgary’s Bartending Scene
Calgary, one of Alberta’s largest cities, has a rich and vibrant bartending scene that’s as diverse as it is fascinating. Packed with many bars, restaurants, and events, the city offers aspiring bartenders a melting pot of opportunities.
Importance of Bartending in Calgary’s Events and Business
From small gatherings to grand events, skilled bartenders are increasingly in demand, contributing to Calgary’s thriving business landscape. Bartending isn’t just about making and serving drinks, it’s about creating memorable experiences that patrons look forward to.
Why You Should Consider Bartending Classes in Calgary
Benefits of Bartending
Bartending can be more than just serving alcohol; it’s about creating an experience for the person on the other side of the bar. It’s about connecting with patrons, understanding their preferences, and delivering a service that surpasses their expectations.
Opportunity to Make Money
Bartending is fun and a potentially lucrative way to make money, especially in a city like Calgary. With the right training and skills, bartenders can earn a substantial income from their hourly wages and tips.
Meeting Interesting People
Bartending offers a unique opportunity to meet interested and interesting individuals from all walks of life. As a bartender, you get to interact with a diverse clientele, each with their own stories and experiences, making every shift a unique adventure.
The Bartending Classes Experience in Calgary
Teaching Methods
In Calgary’s bartending classes, instructors don’t just teach; they immerse students in the dynamic world of bartending. They provide hands-on training, allowing students to practice and perfect their skills in a simulated bar environment.
Learning to Serve
Learning to serve is a pivotal part of the bartending classes, emphasizing responsible alcohol service and customer interaction. You’ll learn how to pour, mix, and serve drinks while maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for your patrons.
The Fun of Mixology
One of the most fun aspects of bartending classes in Calgary is the mixology sessions, where you get to experiment with drinks and create your own signature cocktails. This enhances your creativity and allows you to stand out as a bartender.
How to Choose the Right Bartending School in Calgary
School Selection Tips
Choosing the right bartending school in Calgary requires careful consideration of several factors, including the school’s reputation, course offerings, and instructors. Choosing a school that aligns with your career goals and provides comprehensive training is essential.
Free Trial Classes
Many bartending schools in Calgary offer free trial classes, allowing potential students to experience the course before committing. These trial classes can help you get a feel for the teaching style, course structure, and overall school environment.
Financing Your Bartending Education
Investing in a bartending program is a significant financial decision, but there are various ways to finance your education, making bartending classes more accessible. Some schools offer payment plans, scholarships, or work-study options to help offset the program’s cost.
Stepping into Your Bartending Journey
Becoming a trained bartender in the vibrant city of Calgary is an exciting journey that opens up a world of opportunities. Whether you want to work part-time or embark on a full-time bartending career, the first step is to get the right training and certification.
Bartending in Calgary FAQ
Here are some questions people ask about becoming a bartender in Alberta.
How do I become a bartender in Calgary?
To bartend in Calgary (and Alberta), you must be 19 years old and hold a valid ProServe certification. People often start as barbacks if you’ve never worked as a bartender.
Do you need a license to bartend in Alberta?
Yes, in Alberta, you must have your ProServe certification to bartend or serve alcohol.
For more information, visit the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis (AGLC) website.
How much does a bartender make in Alberta?
As of 2023, the average wage of bartenders in Alberta is $15.79 before tips, according to the Alberta wages and salaries website. Job website Glassdoor estimates the average yearly salary is $43,543 when tips are factored in.
How long does ProServe training take?
ProServe training typically takes about six hours to complete and is done online.
Can a 17-year-old serve alcohol in Alberta?
No, In Alberta, the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act controls alcohol sales at bars, restaurants and liquor stores. It is an offence for anyone under 18 to possess, consume or purchase alcohol.
How many drinks can you serve in Alberta?
After 1 a.m., a patron can order a maximum of two standard drinks. A standard serving is one ounce for a highball, bottle, or can of beer. Furthermore, after 1 a.m., a patron cannot possess more than two drinks at any time.
