Sainsbury’s is to become the first supermarket chain to develop a specific retail apprenticeship scheme for bakers.
The 18-month programme, developed in partnership with the sector skills council, Skillsmart Retail, launches next week with a pilot of 10 students in the North East of England.
The scheme, which is open to those aged over 16, will provide trainees with nationally recognised qualifications including a Level 2 NVQ, key literacy and numeracy skills and a technical certificate.
Sainsbury’s will be recruiting into the apprenticeship via in-store posters and a direct e-mail campaign aimed at 16- to 24-year olds. A total of 30 apprentices will be recruited over the next nine months.
Julia Read, Sainsbury’s project manager for the apprenticeship, said: “We’ve recognised that the number of skilled bakers is sharply declining and in response we are launching this dedicated initiative to attract people back into the trade and hone the skills of our future bakers.
“The Sainsbury’s Bakery Apprenticeship Scheme is a great opportunity for young people to develop a career in retail and underlines our commitment to giving people a better start in life.”
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