Dreaming of a career where every cup makes someone’s day? In Coorparoo, a local partnership is helping that dream take shape.

Through a collaboration between Eat For Your Life, a social enterprise supporting employment pathways, and the Institute of Culinary Excellence (ICE), eight trainees are gaining hands-on experience in hospitality. Each participant receives a fully paid Certificate I in Hospitality, alongside subsidised training in Certificate II Kitchen Operations. These practical qualifications open doors to real careers in a growing industry.

Merlo Coffee’s Role in Training the Next Generation

Every barista starts with the same ingredients: passion, patience, and good coffee. Merlo Coffee proudly supports the program by supplying freshly roasted beans each week, giving trainees the opportunity to practise with premium-quality coffee while they refine their skills.

In-house trainers at ICE use Merlo coffee to teach everything from grind adjustment and milk texturing to espresso calibration, helping participants learn the essentials that separate an average cup from a memorable one.

“It’s all about supporting those who need a little boost to get back on track,” says Merlo Founder, Dean Merlo. “By providing coffee and training resources, we hope we’re helping participants build confidence and real skills, and we look forward to visiting the café soon for a coffee made with Merlo.”

From Classroom to Café

The skills learned through the program come to life at Eat For Your Life’s community café in Coorparoo, a welcoming space run by the trainees themselves. Open Mondays and Tuesdays from 8.30 am to 2.00 pm, the café gives participants real-world experience serving customers, managing operations, and perfecting their craft.

Beyond coffee, the initiative also helps fight food insecurity. Using rescued ingredients from partners such as Second Bite and Foodbank, trainees help prepare nutritious meals for locals in need, ensuring the program supports both people and the planet.

A Shared Vision for Community Growth

Partnerships like this represent what Merlo stands for: great coffee that brings people together. By investing in training, education, and local collaboration, we are helping create pathways for the next generation of baristas, chefs, and café owners, one cup at a time.

If you are nearby, drop by the Coorparoo community café, enjoy a Merlo brew, and see the difference a little community spirit can make.