The National Bakery School is planning to launch its integrated Masters programme in September 2016 and continues to engage with industry to forge better links between its students and the industry. 

The school currently offers a two-year foundation degree programme with the option of completing a further third year to achieve a BSc (Hons) in Baking Technology Management. Course director, Elaine Thomson is working on introducing the optional fourth year of training in a move to answer industry’s call for skilled, qualified and competent individuals.

She told British Baker: “Hopefully the Masters programme will be available next September. The additional course is a natural progression to complement those already available and an opportunity to effectively address the need for skilled and qualified labour”.

“We don’t want to lose sight of what we’re here for – to educate students and prepare them for exciting opportunities in industry. We are mindful that we meet both needs”

“The idea is to have an integrated Masters so that when students join us in year one, they have the option of staying for four years and achieving a Masters – they may decide not to but they have the opportunity.”

Thomson said that securing funding for a Masters alone can be difficult and signing on for the integrated approach makes financing more accessible and continues the process of education to develop ‘industry ready’ candidates.

The school is also working with the Alliance for Bakery Students and Trainees, has good links with the London Bread and Cake company and has become involved with “big players” like Puratos, Zeelandia and Renshaw to name but a few. Thomson hopes that this will encourage further use/ exposure of National Bakery School Facilities to further increase and raise its profile, continuing to build better links with the industry.

The school is also working with the alumni and hopes to host an event at Christmas time to connect past and existing students, again to raise profile and connections within the industry for the benefit of students.

Details for event and liaison plans are yet to be confirmed.