Elsie Lange
Victoria, known for its love of all things coffee, is facing a barista shortage – and it’s being felt close to home.
The National Skills Commission’s 2022 Skills Priority List shows baristas are in short supply in the state, and Gisborne’s popular 3 Little Pigs Cafe has seen this firsthand.
Cafe manager Michael Sabol said the cafe had been advertising for a trained barista on a range of platforms for at least a month.
“We’re trying to find a full time and a part time barista, we’ve [even] dropped [the listing] down to casual, but there’s literally been no applications,” Mr Sabol said.
“Coffee is such a pinnacle part of Melbourne, so when you have an inconsistent coffee, it’s not ideal, because coffee is such an art.
“Sometimes we have to train people who have no experience of coffee.”
Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne said he was continuing to see a lack of workers across sectors.
“In hospitality and even in professional services. We’re experiencing a shortage of workers in general,” he said.
Woodend’s Paysanne Cafe owner Thierry Bertalmio said it was difficult to find people to commit, not just as baristas, but in all roles at the cafe.
“Kids are alright from school, but it’s harder with grownups,” he said.
“It’s everybody in town, from the post office, to any shop and any cafe.
“Even the chemist is looking for staff. It’s everywhere, people don’t want to do manual jobs.”
Restaurant and Catering Australia chief executive Belinda Clarke told ABC Melbourne the lack of baristas had “crept up” on the industry.
“The number one role [being advertised] at the moment is barista, and number two is bartender,” she said.
“Let’s put it into perspective: it’s about double what all of those other roles are, so there’s a massive shortage right now for baristas, particularly down there in Victoria, where we know you all love your coffee.”
