Banjo’s Bakery has launched a training pilot that will see high school students join their bakers in the kitchen.

The Self Raising Program has been launched on Queensland’s Gold Coast, and will see students from Helensvale State High School get a hand’s on introduction to baking during a half-day crash course.

Traditionally the Self Raising Program has been reserved for Banjo’s employees and new franchisees, but Banjo’s Bakery chief executive officer Jessica Saxby said this was a natural extension of a program that had already helped a significant amount of employees build rewarding careers.

“Our Self Raising Program has always been about recognising potential and giving people the skills and suport to become successful business owners,” she said.

“All of our bakeries opened in the last decade are owned by graduates of the program, so we’re excited to see what happens when we introduce those same principles to students before they leave school.

“If the pilot is successful we’d love to expand it across our network and  help inspire the next generation of Australian bakery cafe entrepreneurs.”

Helensvale State High School principal Rachel Cutajar said the Self Raising Program would allow the students to be exposed to career opportunities they may not otherwise have experienced.

“Stepping inside a successful local business like Banjo’s gives our students practical insights that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom,” she said.

“We’re grateful to Banjo’s for investing in the next generation and helping our students see what’s possible after school.”

The students will be spending time at Helensvale franchisee Donna Bosworth’s store, and she said she hoped the experience would broaden the students career aspirations.

“It’s really special to be able to open our doors, give students a look behind the scenes and hopefully introduce them to opportunities they might never have known existed,” she said.

“Finishing school can feel overwhelming when you’re not quite sure what comes next, so if we can help show them there’s more than one path to success, then that’s something we’re really proud to be part of.”