Starbucks Korea has resumed its 'Senior Barista Training' program aimed at creating job opportunities for seniors after a three-month hiatus.
On August 20, Starbucks conducted its first senior barista training session for 20 seniors with an average age of 65 at the Gunpo Senior Club in Gyeonggi Province. This training is part of a senior employment support initiative that Starbucks has been running in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Senior Club Association since 2019.
The training program, which reopened after three months, garnered significant interest, filling up within two days of registration and even generating a waiting list. Starbucks plans to conduct more than 30 training sessions by December.
During this training, Jang Kwang-yeol, the manager of the Gasan Public Starbucks and winner of the 2023 Starbucks Coffee Ambassador Cup, served as the instructor. He provided hands-on training in coffee extraction, milk steaming, and latte art, alongside theoretical lessons on coffee flavors and characteristics based on origin.
Registration for the '5th Latte Art Competition,' where senior baristas will showcase their skills, is open until August 24. The names of those who pass the preliminary round will be announced on September 1. Last year's competition saw over 100 senior baristas from cafes affiliated with the Korea Senior Club Association participate, demonstrating their capabilities.
Additionally, last month, Starbucks held a signing ceremony with the Korea Senior Club Association to establish a second 'Senior Barista Training Center.' Starbucks will support the necessary interior and related costs for the new training center, while the first center is currently operated by the Gunpo Senior Club.
Shin Dong-woo, CEO of Starbucks Korea, stated, "The core of this initiative is to help seniors enhance their skills as baristas and connect them to real job opportunities through professional training. We will continue our social contribution activities for local seniors, including the establishment of training centers."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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