Tesco has partnered with Scottish Bakers to trial an apprenticeship scheme to help with further training for the staff that work in its scratch bakeries.
The UK’s biggest retailer is piloting the new apprenticeship which will support employees in building new skills, enhancing in-store bakery knowledge and provide the tools to drive product quality in-store, it said.
The pilot features seven learners and has seen employees from Bishop Auckland, Durham, Oldham, Oxford, Plymouth, and Redditch take part in a programme designed to enhance their key skills and knowledge in the bakery craft as well as customer service.
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The scheme will be classed as a Level 2 Bakery Apprenticeship – some of the modules that will be covered include understanding how to manufacture baked goods, maintaining quality and solving problems within the bakery, offering excellent customer service, and how to display and manage stock in a retail bakery, among others.
“We really look forward to our colleagues having the ability to take part in this pilot and gain a nationally recognised Bakery Level 2 qualification,” a spokesperson for Tesco said.
They added: “We also look forward to hearing the feedback throughout in regards to each individual learning journey,” said a spokesperson for Tesco.
Training and quality manager at National Food & Drink Training (NFDT) and the specialist training arm of Scottish Bakers, Scott Anderson, commented: “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,” he said.
“Apprenticeship training helps businesses become more productive and efficient by upskilling their new and existing workforce and delivers other benefits like reduced wastage, lower staff turnover and higher output,” Scottish Bakers chief executive Alasdair Smith added.
“We believe more businesses need to recognise and invest in training to ensure their long-term sustainability.”
The news comes a few months 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.
