Distance Learning Spotlight: James Rhys
Originally from Wales, now located in rural Scotland, James Rhys owns a specialty coffee company that uses coffee to raise awareness and money for mental health charities.
SCA certificate programs are designed to help you create a successful career in the coffee industry. As of June 1 2020, the SCA increased accessibility of the foundation courses allowing Authorized SCA Trainers (ASTs) around the globe to teach selected foundation courses in-person and in a virtual environment so that learners can continue growing and learning during these unprecedented times.
This week, JAMES RHYS, owner of a specialty coffee company that uses coffee to raise awareness and money for mental health charities, shares his distance learning experience.
With the launch of distance learning, more learners than ever are able to have the opportunity to access SCA certificate courses, especially those who may not be able to attend in person for financial reasons. James, who recently took a Sensory Skills foundation course virtual, said, “To have the opportunity to study under different tutors, without the need for travel is massive. I live over 380 miles away from a Premier Training Campus (PTC), so the cost of travel and accommodation on top of the cost of the course would probably make it prohibitive for me.”
James had wanted to learn from specific ASTs who live further afield and distance learning gave him the opportunity to learn from other coffee professionals. “Being able to work with and learn from other fantastic tutors, rather than having to select a course based purely on convenience and location, is such a huge boost for me and my development.” And, despite being one of the first-ever online courses offered by the PTC, “it went fantastically, even with my questionable rural internet connection!
In the future, James hopes to open a roastery, complete other SCA courses, and work towards becoming an AST.
Are you interested in taking an SCA distance learning course?
Check out the SCA course calendar here, filtering your study method to “distance learning.”