Costa VR training

The programme includes 360° video clips for baristas to watch, such as tips such as how to make the perfect Americano.

Costa is rolling out a virtual reality (VR) training programme to upskill its baristas and ensure consistent standards across its stores.

The programme, which has been designed to complement the coffee chain’s current onboarding process, includes 360° video clips for baristas to watch, involving tips such as how to make the perfect Americano and black forest hot chocolate.

More than 1,500 Costa branches have already received the VR kit made up of Google Cardboard headsets and other tools needed to watch the clips on.

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The training will be rolled out nationally to all 2,380 Costa branches throughout the remainder of the year, a Costa spokesman confirmed.

Costa also plans to expand the programme with more videos in the future to further educate its staff, such as the journey from bean to cup with footage from its coffee farmers in Peru, and a tour of the Costa Coffee Roastery so new employees can understand the quality testing Costa does.

“We believe this advanced approach to learning will particularly appeal to those in the millennial generation who are highly open to this type of engaging training. We’re looking forward to continuing to innovate the resources in our VR portfolio for new staff and those looking to diversify their skills and careers with us,” said Costa Coffee head of learning Laura Chapman.

The move comes as Costa looks to hire 500 temporary baristas over the Christmas period.