Michel’s Patisserie, one of Australia’s largest coffee and patisserie franchises, has partnered with TAFE Queensland in a bid to set a new standard for coffee excellence in Australia.

The coffee retailer is undertaking a national training review, with its baristas across the country to complete new updated theory competencies online, while enhanced practical units will be assessed instore by one of the 18 qualified barista trainers on the Michel’s training team.

Michel’s Patisseries’ barista trainers have also had their qualifications updated and each is now equipped with a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to ensure they are capable of training franchisees and baristas to the new standards of the coffee excellence program.

TAFE Queensland education quality manager, Jim Watson, said the partnership delivered a more robust and rigorous training schedule for baristas that would ensure consistency across the franchise network.

“TAFE and Michel’s Patisserie are delivering a nationally accredited, detailed and accurate program to ensure a consistent level of service and product for both customers and Franchisees,” said  Watson.

“Based on the highest industry standards, this program will see Michel’s Baristas gain a heightened knowledge of coffee history, coffee bean origins, the application of advanced food safety protocols and modern coffee making procedures and techniques. Everything they need to make fantastic coffee for their customers, every time they visit.”

Michel’s Patisserie MD, Tracey Catterall, said Michel’s Patisserie has its sights set on becoming the leader in the retail coffee service industry by continually evolving its practices.

“Our goal is to take the Australian retail coffee industry to new heights and lead the way with a level of excellence far superior to other large coffee retailers in Australia,” said Catterall.

“We know the perfect cup of coffee comes down to the knowledge and skills of the barista making it, and that’s why we are working with a national industry body to enhance the training we deliver to our passionate team members and franchisees.

Michel’s Patisserie is part of Australia’s largest multi‐food franchise operator Retail Food Group (RFG). With more than 105 million customer visits a year RFG owns the Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie, bb’s café, Esquires, The Coffee Guy, Pizza Capers Gourmet Kitchen and Crust Gourmet Pizza franchise systems.