Loudfire raise the bar

Explains Bruce van Halderen, Director of Loudfire: "The Loudfire Bar Academy was born of the real and pressing need in the hospitality industry for skilled bartenders who are able to deliver a superior level of service. In our 10 years in this industry we have always been very focused on skills development and training, so progressing to the delivery of formalised training for our own staff, as well outside students, was the next logical move."

Van Halderen says Loudfire expects its biggest intake of learners to come from the youth market, particularly students who wish to learn a skill that can help them earn extra money while studying, as well as present them with international job opportunities. The Academy will also target individuals who already work in the trade, either part- or full-time, at bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels and the like, and who wish to improve their skill set and further their career prospects with formal training.

The Loudfire Bar Academy operates from its custom built facility at Loudfire's new Johannesburg offices and warehouse located in Kramerville, Sandton. The facility includes four mobile bar training units that replicate a typical bar layout and a lecture room that seats up to 20 individuals.