Tesco has partnered with The National Food & Drink Training (NFDT), the training arm of Scottish Bakers, to carry out apprenticeship training from its in-store bakeries.
The UK retailer is trialling the new apprenticeship which it has said will help staff to build new skills, improve knowledge of in-store bakeries and provide tools to increase product quality in-store. The pilot currently includes seven learners with staff from a range of areas including Bishop Auckland, Oxford, Plymouth, Durham and Redditch all participate in a program aimed at improving their skills.
The program will be a Level 2 Bakery Apprenticeship as modules included will cover understanding how to manufacture bakery products, maintaining quality and solving problems within the bakery, offering excellent custom service and how to display and manage stock in a retail in-store bakery.
“Investing in people, both new and those already in the workforce, is vital as all food and bakery businesses are under greater pressures than ever before,” explained Alasdair Smith, CEO of Scottish Bakers. “Apprenticeships help companies become more productive and efficient by upskilling their new and existing workforce and offers other benefits such as reduced waste, reduced staff turnover and higher output.”
“The participants are learning hands on scratch baking and so far their colleagues have been delighted to sample fresh bakes such as croissants, bread, Swiss roll, scones and turnovers they have made as part of their learning,” added Scott Anderson, Training and Quality Manager at NFDT.
This news comes after Tesco trialled a new in-store bakery in six of its largest stores as it looks to further showcase its improved products and packaging.
“We believe that more companies need to recognise and invest in training to ensure its long-term sustainability,” Alasdair concluded.
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