Photos: A Look Behind the Bar

The Bartenders Academy of New York in Farmingdale has had an influx in students in this tough job market. 

Owner Charles and his colleague Joe not only host structured courses designed to teach people how to professionally bartend but they also provide free job placement and hands-on experience in the field.  Once certified, students can begin navigating the market with their skills.

Kyle Bass, a current student, said that he’s been serving in restaurants for years and wanted to start bartending so he can eventually operate his own catering busiess. Bass, who is also a pre-med student at Stony Brook University, said it was about finding any possible way to make money using his best skill -  working directly with customers.

Another student, Rachel Decostanzo said she joined because she is a fast "hands-on" learner, which is the exact atmosphere of the school. She hopes to start working in the bartending field as soon as she is finished.