Leicester College has been appointed as the new bakery training champion by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD).

It has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading eduction providers when it comes to bakery skills, and will champion the Academy’s nationwide training provision to bakery companies.

It will work with industry groups within the bakery trade to ensure the training provision continues to meet changing business needs in the areas of bread, cake, confectionery and pastry production.

Justine Fosh, director of the NSAFD, said: “Leicester College had been an Academy member for several years and we have total confidence in the college’s ability to collaborate with both employers and fellow bakery training network members to underline the continuing authority of our skills solutions.”

David Thomas, business delivery manager at Leicester College, added: “We have the capability to design bespoke bakery industry courses and our facilities are able to reproduce specific skill sessions for the baking industry.

“Our links with both large and small companies in the East Midlands are good, and college-based learners are encouraged to take part in national competitions and join bakery societies such as the Alliance for Bakery Students & Trainees to help them develop their own contacts through networking.”

The Academy, set up in 2007 by Improve, the skills council for the UK’s food and drink manufacturing industries, now includes more than 70 accredited training companies and colleges, with specific networks for industry sub-sectors such as bakery, meat and poultry, seafood, and dairy.