Registration for any course with Trail Blaze Coffee Academy indicates that the attendee has read, understands, and accepts all of the following policies. Please contact us with any questions about any of these course policies.
Cancellation
Students may cancel a course registration up to 7 days prior to class for a refund less a 10% processing fee. Registrations cancelled up to 48 hours prior to class start time are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. There is no refund for cancellation requests received within 48 hours of class start time.
Students who are ill should contact the course instructor prior to scheduled class start time to reschedule to a future class session.
All cancellation or rescheduling requests must be submitted by email.
Courses may be rescheduled or cancelled by Trail Blaze Coffee for reasons including but not limited to insufficient course registrations, trainer illness, severe weather, or other circumstances that prevent class from being conducted in a safe and effective manner. If a course is rescheduled, students may cancel their registration for a full refund. Trail Blaze Coffee will not be responsible for student travel expenses if a course is rescheduled or cancelled.
Personal Conduct
Trail Blaze Coffee is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and accessible learning environment for all people regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, and/or religion (or lack thereof). We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, violence, or offensive behavior or actions. Attendees who violate this policy or are otherwise disruptive may be removed from class at the instructor’s sole discretion without refund.
Smoking or vaping of tobacco products is permitted in designated areas outside of the Trail Blaze Coffee Training Center. Please be advised that possession and consumption of marijuana and many related substances is currently illegal under North Carolina law.
Many courses involve critically tasting coffee. Please avoid strongly scented personal products on class day.
Classroom Safety
Training courses involve learner interactions with hot liquids, pressurized steam, sharp edges, hand tools, and/or live electricity.
The course instructor will conduct classroom activities according to best safety practices, local requirements, and SCA recommendations. Each learner is responsible for reviewing, understanding, and following all hazard advisories, safety instructions, and personal protective equipment requirements prior to beginning each activity.
Consumption of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs before or during class is prohibited. Learners who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will not be permitted to participate in class at the instructor’s sole discretion without refund.
Attendees who act in a manner which endangers themselves or others may be removed from class at the instructor’s sole discretion without refund.
Registration and Payment
Registration and payment for class at Trail Blaze Coffee Academy is done at TrailBlazeCoffee.com. Registration for a course requires full payment, name, and contact email address for each registered attendee.
All course fees must be paid in full before class begins. Students who have not paid all course fees will not be admitted, and any partial course payments applied to an alternate course or future course session at Trail Blaze Coffee’s discretion. Any refunds will be according to the terms of the cancellation policy.
Attendees of Specialty Coffee Association courses must also register as a learner using the SCA learner portal before class begins. Trail Blaze Coffee will provide SCA learner registration instructions in the order confirmation email sent to the email address provided. Please contact us if you have any difficulty registering with the SCA. Attendees who do not register with the SCA before class begins may be unable to take their written exam or receive the SCA certificate for the course.
Schedule
Students should arrive at the class location 5-10 minutes prior to class time. Students arriving more than 15 minutes after start time may not be admitted without prior arrangements. Contact your course instructor in case of emergency or unforeseen circumstances.
Classes may occasionally end earlier or later than scheduled ending time. We recommend planning travel arrangements accordingly and advising course instructor of flight departure times and other relevant travel details before classes begin. Trail Blaze Coffee is not responsible for costs associated with missed flights.
Health and Illness Policies
In-person classes will be held in consideration of applicable guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at the time class is conducted. Relevant updates may be communicated by the course instructor one week before class.
Full immunization is recommended for all attendees. Attendees who are at high risk for serious complications due to COVID-19 or flu are encouraged to discuss remote-learning options for courses.
Attendees who have a fever, exhibit symptoms of severe respiratory illness, or have been recently diagnosed with illness like COVID-19, flu, or RSV should contact course instructor to discuss rescheduling for a future session. Attendees are encouraged to take added precautions as recommended by the CDC, while recovering from illness.
Additional Policies for SCA Courses
Registration for a Specialty Coffee Association course includes an opportunity to take the associated tests for an SCA certificate. Attendees who wish to receive the certificate for a course must be registered as a learner with the SCA and provide their registered email address to Trail Blaze Coffee.
Unless otherwise indicated in the course description, paid registration for all SCA classes includes all SCA fees, including the $50 Student Service Fee for that course.
SCA policy limits each student to 2 attempts for written and practical tests. If a student is unable to pass after their second attempt, the entire course must be taken again. Please read the SCA’s Learners Rights document for additional details. No refunds will be given for students who do not register with the SCA, choose not to take, or do not pass the tests for a course.
Courses which have a practical exam include one opportunity to complete practical exams onsite within the scheduled class time. Students that do not pass the practical exam may be offered one same-day re-take opportunity at the instructor’s sole discretion. Note that since many tests require substantial preparation, teaching resources, and materials, prompt re-takes may not be possible.
Written exams for SCA Coffee Skills Program courses are administered online by the SCA. These must be taken outside of scheduled class time and require the use of a computer with internet access. All students must read, accept, and adhere to the SCA’s Online Exams Policies (including Code of Conduct) and Learners Rights when taking these exams.
Students must pass online written exams within 21 days of course completion to receive course certificate. Trail Blaze Coffee is not responsible for students who do not complete or pass tests within the SCA’s timeframe.
Online written exams for SCA Coffee Technicians Program courses are taken in-person during scheduled class time. Students should bring their own laptop to class if possible, but devices can be provided by request.
Acceptance of policies
Paid registration for any course indicates that the registrant has read and accepts all of the policies detailed in this document. Please contact us with any questions about any of these course policies.