The Bread Factory, a wholesale supplier of baked goods, has welcomed 10 new apprentices as part of its ‘Growing Bakers’ programme.
This apprenticeship, launched in response to the shortage of artisan baking skills in the UK, aims to give the next generation of bakers comprehensive training in the craft.
A fresh and diverse workforce is sorely needed by the UK’s baking industry. Just this month, representatives from big baking industry bodies formed a committee to tackle recruitment and retention.
A hands-on apprenticeship with Plumpton College
The apprenticeship programme was recruiting in summer of this year. The onboarding process began in September 2024, but the programme officially starts in October 2024.
The apprenticeship is a 12- to 18-month training course delivered in partnership with Plumpton College in East Sussex. Over the course of the programme, apprentices will work toward a craft baker level 2 qualification, starting with an induction into The Bread Factory’s operations and values, including their partnerships with farmers, millers, suppliers, and customers.
Trainees will gain expertise in everything from ingredient preparation and dough shaping to baking and product dressing. They will also rotate through various departments – like bread production, bakery management, and retail brand operations – so they develop a broad range of skills.
Apprentices will even have the opportunity to visit The Bread Factory’s site in Milton Keynes for on-the-ground learning.