Barista training helps Exmouth students with daily grind

Students at Exmouth District High School can now master a macchiato and learn to pour a perfect flat white following an expansive upgrade of the home economics area. 

The revamped space features a new barista training facility and fully-equipped commercial kitchen, along with additional cooking bays that can accommodate up to 22 students. 

Marcus Gianatti, principal of Exmouth District High School, says the upgraded facilities will help students learn the ropes in the hospitality industry and create future employment pathways. 

“The original classroom, which was previously used for textiles, fabrics and cooking, was reconfigured to incorporate a commercial kitchen and barista café,” he said. 

“The new space meets industry standards and enables the delivery of cooking programs from Years 7 to 12, including certificate-based pathways in hospitality and commercial cookery in senior school.” 

Mr Gianatti said the new home economics learning area gives Exmouth students the option to pursue a vocational education pathway in hospitality in Years 11 and 12.

“Previously, Exmouth did not offer hospitality-based certificate programs due to the lack of suitable facilities,” he said.

“The home economics area upgrade addresses that gap, allowing students to remain in their community while accessing high-quality vocational education.” 

Mr Gianatti believes the benefits of the home economics refurbishment extend beyond just the school community in Exmouth. He says it will help address a skills shortage in the coastal tourist town, the gateway to Ningaloo Reef. 

“Students will now have opportunities to gain barista accreditation and develop both front-of-house and back-of-house skills,” he said. 

“As Exmouth is a key tourist community, the upgraded facilities enable students to train locally and transition directly into employment in local restaurants, cafés and registered food businesses.”