CBA Calls for More Bakery Apprenticeships to Support Industry’s Future
The Craft Bakers Association has called on bakery businesses to increase investment in apprenticeships and skills development, as the UK craft baking sector looks to strengthen its future workforce.
The issue was highlighted during the association’s annual Business Day in Birmingham, where apprenticeships, business strategy and industry representation were among the main topics discussed.
Terry Fennell, Chief Executive of FDQ, revealed that fewer than 500 bakery apprentices in England have completed their programs since 2019, equivalent to an average of around 68 per year.
At the time of the event, 138 apprentices were enrolled in bakery programs in England, with around a dozen undertaking the newer Level 3 apprenticeship.
Fennell stated: “With such a proud tradition and history of training, and with 3,000 independent bakers around, why have we only got 150 apprentices? […] I really think that the sector has got an opportunity to really buy into it.”
He acknowledged several challenges affecting smaller bakery businesses, including rising employment costs, difficulties finding suitable candidates and the need to release apprentices for off-the-job training.
The Baker Level 2 apprenticeship has a maximum government funding band of GBP9,000 for training and assessment, while the Lead Baker Level 3 standard also carries a maximum funding band of GBP9,000. An apprentice progressing through both could therefore have training and assessment funded up to a combined maximum of GBP18,000, subject to apprenticeship funding rules.
The importance of workforce development was also addressed by outgoing CBA President Ivor McKane, who highlighted training, career progression and clear business strategies as common characteristics among bakery businesses he visited during his presidency.
The event also addressed the baking industry’s representation in Westminster. Steff Aquarone MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Baking Industry, encouraged bakery businesses to engage directly with politicians about the effects of legislation, taxation, regulation and rising costs.
