How To Get a Career in Bartending Oakland CA

There are two ways to get a career in bartending. The traditional way of course would be to acquire the skills needed through on the job training. The other would be to complete a course at a reputable Bartending School.

Local Companies

Alternative Futures
(510) 287-5664
4909 Tidewater Ave
Oakland, CA
First In Emergency Response Training LLC
(510) 282-7663
200 Stantonville Dr.
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Bob Garner MS MA Ncc
(510) 652-2467
3873 Piedmont Ave
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Bonnie Bell
(510) 763-5671
1111 Broadway
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(415) 421-4700
50 California St., Ste. 500
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San Francisco Vocational Services
(415) 512-9500
814 Mission St., Ste. 600
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The Art Institute of California - San Francisco
(415) 276-4019
1170 Market St.
San Francisco, CA
Lara's Bar
(510) 430-0938
7107 International Blvd
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Baggy's by the Lake
(510) 763-5721
288 E 18th St
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Los DOS Hermanos
(510) 535-9271
2331 International Blvd
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There are two ways to get a career in bartending. The traditional way of course would be to acquire the skills needed through on the job training. The other would be to complete a course at a reputable Bartending School.

  1. On-the-job training: This is a fast-pace industry. As a result most establishments do not have the time to train new hires for a bartending position. However, they often fill openings in the bartending position through in-house promotions. Employers realize that customer/employee interaction and knowledge of the menu (food and drink), as well as familiarity of the specific equipment within that establishment are key factors in hiring a bartender. Any position within this facility will give you an edge. Here are a few examples.
    • Wait staff: The wait staff already has extensive knowledge of the drinks. They are aware of the drinks being served, as well as what is in them. They also have had interaction with the patrons, etc.
    • Bar-back: Bar-backing experience will give you a familiarity of just about everything behind the bar. You know what each bottle is and were it is located. You know which bottles require ice for chilling, etc.
    • Cook/short order cook: You have great knowledge of the food menu, and can quickly recommend an item to a particular customer.
  2. Bartending school: Bartending schools provide hands-on training in a simulated bar. You will learn how to make a wider variety of drinks as well as proper etiquette for all types of establishments, from high-class to casual. Most bartending schools will provide job-placement assistance. There are two ways to complete a bartending course:
    • In school: On average it will take 3-6 weeks to earn your certificate. Tuition can vary widely, anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars. Do research. Be sure it is a reputable institution. Often the more expensive schools have a much better job placement percentage. This advantage will allow you to start earning money faster, in effect paying for itself....

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Author: Dave Caldarelli

Featured Local Company

Alternative Futures

(510) 287-5664
4909 Tidewater Ave
Oakland, CA

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