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A Cup of Tea

Career Ideas

Thinking about changing jobs? Here are a few suggestions...


Tea taster


‘Have some wine,’ the March Hare said in an encouraging tone.

Alice looked all round the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. ‘I don’t see any wine,’ she remarked.

‘There isn’t any,’ said the March Hare.

‘Then it wasn’t very civil of you to offer it,’ said Alice angrily.

If you have a sensitive palate, are intrigued by all the varieties of teas or just love drinking it then how about becoming a professional tea taster?


Further information


  • The Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee, 40 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN, provides an overview of information and holds seminars and is therefore a good place to start for those contemplating a career in the tea and coffee industry. Tel: 020 7403 5650. Web: www.bramahmuseum.co.uk


Tea shop owner


In your dream tea shop, who would be there? Maybe you have a vision of the perfect tea shop, maybe it is themed, maybe it is inspired by Alice’s experience.


Tea shops are undergoing something of a renaissance and steadily increasing in popularity. There seems to be a revitalised interest in a wide range of teas, from good-quality brews to more exotic varieties.


Further information


  • The Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee, 40 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN, is a good place to start for those contemplating a career in the tea and coffee industry. Tel: 020 7403 5650. Web: www.bramahmuseum.co.uk


Teapot maker


The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is probably the world’s most famous tea party, and in the centre of the table in every illustration there is always the china teapot – that most essential part of a traditional tea-drinking experience.


Much of the production is now managed by mechanical means, although in craft potteries – particularly in the West Midlands – traditional methods are still used to make everything from toilet bowls to teapots.


It is possible that you could find work at one of the craft potteries which offer training in throwing and casting.


It is useful to have gained GCSEs/S or an NVQ/SVQ but not an essential requirement. There are a number of degree and HND courses available, in Ceramic Design, Ceramics Science and Ceramics Technology.


There are promotional opportunities within the industry, to work as a trainer or assessor. You might also be aiming to set up your own studio.


Further information:


  • To find out which apprenticeships may be available in England, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact the local Connexions Partnership.
  • Degree and HND courses and entry requirements, visit www.ucas.com


Contacts


  • Association for Ceramic Training and Development, St James’ House, Webberley Lane, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1RJ. Tel: 01782 597016. Web: www.actd.co.uk

  • British Ceramic Confederation, Federation House, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2SA. Tel: 01782 744631. Web: www.ceramfed.co.uk

  • Stoke-on-Trent College, Ceramics Department, Burslem Campus, Moorland Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1JJ. 01782 208208. Web: www.stokecoll.ac.uk


Tea importer / exporter


There are several ways to become a tea importer/exporter. You could work your way up through an apprenticeship, or enrol in a college course in international trade – and some degrees in business studies include a module on the import/export industry.


There is a strong tradition of international trade in the UK, and importers/exporters have an important role to play in maintaining its position in the world market. There are many opportunities in trading, but it is necessary to be aware of constantly changing patterns and the ebb and flow of the market.


A traineeship will provide you with a thorough grounding and knowledge of every aspect and procedure of the various departments in the company. There are also various courses offered by professional organisations.


Apprenticeship schemes are also available. See www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact the local Connexions Partnership for more details.


Further information



Contacts


  • Institute of Export, Export House, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FT. Tel: 01733 404400. Web: www.export.org.uk

  • Institute of Freight Professionals (IFP), British International Freight Association, Redfern House, Browells Lane, Feltham, Middlesex TW13 7EP. Tel: 020 8844 2266. Web: www.bifa.org

  • The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Earlstrees Court, Earlstrees Road, Corby, Northants NN17 4AX. Tel: 01536 740104. Web: www.ciltuk.org.uk