Our goal is simple! To produce the best Bartenders in the Caribbean. We achieve this by ensuring that Springboard trained Bar Staff have the knowledge, skills, personality and work ethic to become an immediate asset to their employers.

Over the last two years Springboard has successfully trained and obtained job placements for over 400 Bar Service Staff with the World’s leading Cruise Line. Alongside this, Springboard trained Bar Service Staff have proven to be extremely highly regarded in the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry.

Springboard has worked diligently to refine and innovate it’s Bar training programmes, such as the UK accredited VTCT Level 2 Award in Hospitality Industry Skills – Bar Service. To further develop our offerings, Springboard is pleased to announce the launch of its new International Bartenders Certificate.

International Bartending Certificate

This is a certificated 4 week programme of 120 guided learning hours, 25% of which is spent in classroom instruction while 75% is focused on practical hands on sessions at the bar. Trainees on this programme will make and taste, over 50 different types of international & specialty Caribbean cocktails and will learn to taste and assess products from the main groups of spirits. This certificated programme includes the following modules:

bartending school st lucia
Module 1: General Bar Knowledge
Bar layout and presentation, equipment and glassware, preparing for opening and closing of the Bar, storage and stock rotation, garnish preparation, menus, drink specials, service styles.
Module 2: Bar Economics
The art of managing costs, effective stock control & tracking and waste management.
Module 3: Bar Sales Techniques
The art of new revenue generation through influential selling, upselling and suggestive selling.
Module 4: Building Rapport With Your Customers
The development of interpersonal skills, customer service, meeting, greeting and the art of “small talk”, use of acquired knowledge to provide customers with information and advice on drinks selection. This module will include video recorded and play back sessions to maximize the benefit to students.
Module 5: Spirits & Liqueurs Knowledge
Understanding the main spirit groups and liqueurs (Brandy, Whisk(e)y, Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Gin), their production methods, key characteristics, quality, price and taste (tasting sessions will be undertaken to include the preparation of tasting notes).
Module 6: Caribbean Rumology – Specialty Module
Designed to provide candidates with a specialty appreciation of Caribbean rums, their production and use within Caribbean style cocktails. This module includes a visit to St Lucia Distillers for an instructional tour on the production of different types of rum followed by a tasting session.
Module 7: Wine Knowledge
Includes a basic introduction to the main styles of wines, storage, presentation, service, sales and basic food / wine pairing.
Module 8: Cocktail Knowledge
This is the largest module with trainees spending between 2 to 3 hours every day of the programme at the Bar learning to make and taste at least 50 international (IBC recipes) and Caribbean specialty cocktails using techniques such as free-pouring, shaking, mixing, layering, blending, stirring, straining, muddling and building. Trainees will develop free pouring accuracy and garnishing techniques. Each trainee will be encouraged to develop their own ‘signature’ cocktail.
Module 9: Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Including knowledge of aerated waters, natural spring / mineral waters, squashes, juices and syrups.
Module 10: Work Ethic and Performance
Including the importance of a professional image, punctuality, team working, personal integrity, attitude and speed of service.
Module 11: Safe & Secure Bar Working
Including Bar hygiene, personal hygiene, Health & Safety, legislation and licensing. Subject to successful completion of this module the trainee will receive a Level 2 Award in Food & Drink Hygiene.
Module 12: Conflict Management
Including effective complaint handling, dealing with difficult and abusive customers, problem solving, dealing appropriately with internal matters (manager, supervisor, team member relationships).

Costs of Springboard International Bartending Certificated Programme: $3,200 ECD ($1,185 USD)

To include:

  • 4 weeks of tuition at the Springboard Training & Development Centre (as outlined above)
  • The use of real alcoholic drinks, and not simulated drinks, where appropriate to ensure effective tasting and assessment of drink characteristics
  • Assessment including 2 written examinations and 2 marked observations
  • One field trip
  • Certification

Programme Entry Restrictions

Due to the minimum legal drinking age in most Caribbean jurisdictions, to attend this course you must be at least 18 years old.

If you are interested in registering for the Springboard Bartending School, please get in touch today.