

> I'm considering working as a barback (if I can get a job as one)
> while attending a bartending school in Los Angeles. My plan is this:
> after I've gained a month or so of experience as a barback (just to
> become familiarized with behind the bar and its culture) and
> completed my bartending training, then I'll BS my way into a
> bartender job at another establishment. That seems to be the fastest
> way to move up the bartending position.
>
> Here is my question: is there a bartending school in Los Angeles that
> offers actual job placement service? Many schools promise job
> placement after graduation. However, I've read they are scams,
> meaning they have never actively placed anyone into any job. I've
> even read that most bars and clubs wouldn't even hire anyone who's
> been to a bartending school.
>
> Again, my question is: is there a bartending school in Los Angeles
> that offers actual job placement service?
>
> Thanks for your response!
All the bartending schools you will find in L.A. pretty much give you a
contact sheet of places that may be hiring, and you have to do all the work.
Getting a good gig in LA is a tough market, and like you said, they usually
don't even hire bartending school graduates. It is mostly a network of
who-knows-who that gets the brand new swanky hot spots, or the old hot spots,
or all together the money making spots.
I have worked in Beverly Hills & Hollywood the last four years being fortunate
enough to be in the right place at the right time, with the right people.
Going out and hitting the pavement is commendable, but unless you're feeling
lucky, won't result in much.
You also have to remember how many actors there are, looking for a job like
you. Bartending schools give you about 10% of useful information, but a city
like LA, they are even looked down upon sometimes. Don't get me wrong, you'll
learn some things, but nothing beats a bartending book and a slow day
bartender shift somewhere mellow.
Barbacking in LA, and I don't know why, is usually made up entirely of our
friends south of the border. I have rarerly seen a young kid just moving here
from Michigan lets say, given a shot at barbacking to one day slide into a
bartender position.
One route to go is also thought the private catering companies in LA. (They do
good events i.e.: Golden Globes, Oscars, Playstation2 parties) They usually
almost always hire you over the phone with questions you can pick up from any
bartending book. Once you have worked events with them, you can start
building your bartending resume in LA.
But hey, you never know, it is the city of dreams so you could get lucky.
Good Luck
Playboytender
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