Level 3 Lead Baker Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme image1

Source: Bakery Trailblazer Group

A new apprenticeship will help to equip workers with the skills to lead bakery production operations.

The Level 3 Lead Baker Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme has been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and is set to launch shortly.

The new standard builds on the success of the Level 2 standard, which launched in 2020. Level 3 is based on traditional bakery apprenticeships but embraces modern-day requirements for being a lead baker and focuses on more complex bakery products, knowledge and skills. It also includes leadership of areas of production in the bakery, as well as developing teams.

Following a review by the Bakery Trailblazer Group, which is chaired by George Fuller of Fullers Bakery, the standard development was coordinated by the National Skills Academy. Businesses involved in the development of the new standard included Fullers Bakery, Geary’s Bakeries, Lesaffre, British Bakels, Heygates, The Bread Factory and Cooplands Bakery, along with awarding organisations, The Alliance for Bakery Students and training providers.

Level 3 Lead Baker Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme image2

Source: Bakery Trailblazer Group

“The bakery trailblazer group has worked incredibly hard over the past 18 months to revise the Lead Baker Level 3 Apprenticeship,” said Louise Cairns, CEO of the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink.

“It has been updated to meet requirements that have come into place since its initial development and to build on effective practice. It is another example of an exemplary apprenticeship standard developed by the food and drink sector and we are extremely proud to have played a part in it.”

Craft Bakers Association chief executive Karen Dear said the launch of the Level 3 apprenticeship scheme is good news for all bakers, and especially small businesses as potential funding for SMEs is available.

“We encourage all CBA members and the wider bakery industry to consider the new standard, as we’re confident it will play a vital role in future proofing the industry,” she added.