from a barista trainer (and SSV):

you’re supposed to get at least a week where you’re scheduled as a trainer/trainee pair, with possible exceptions of short periods where the trainee is doing MyLearning modules and the trainer may be coverage on the floor, or come in later to do the training activities with the trainee.

the SM should make (and share with you both) a training plan that covers all the online modules and corresponding hands-on practice, ideally paired together. (eg, during one shift you’d do your espresso bar modules, followed by your milk steaming/espresso beverage practice on the floor.) there are two “skill checks” where the SM will give you specific drinks to make and give feedback; this isn’t a test, just meant to gauge where you’re at.

during your training period, there should also be flexible “practice time” for you to get extra time on the floor with your trainer shadowing/supporting you; this is often on bar, but if the playcaller needs an extra person (such as during peak) you might, for example, be shadowing/practicing with your trainer as they run customer support cycles or ring up customers.

hope this helps! i’m happy to clarify/elaborate on anything or answer more specific questions.

I’m wondering this too tbh. I started late last year and spent most of my time doing modules, it lasted maybe a week. I only had like 10 minutes experiencing register and 5 minutes practicing steaming milk. I’ve learned so much from actually just watching the green beans get trained it’s literally embarrassing.

i got a whole training plan but i feel like i’ve been thrown to the wolves after a week 🙃 a lot of extenuating circumstances (trainer got injured and had to leave, busy store, SM sick) but i’ve been on coverage shifts for most of my second week, mostly planted on register. i feel dead inside please let me learn how to bar 😭😭😭

for me it was 2.5 weeks of practice with my trainer. We were never split apart, and a lot of that time was just learning bar.