After lengthy discussions with bakery owners and industry participants in the Apprentices in the Riverina regions, the BAA, along with TAFE New England, is providing a new approach to teaching apprentices in the baking industry.
The program was originally set up with heavy consultation with bakery owners in the New England area, with concerns about apprentices having to travel long distances to attend TAFE.
The program is a mix of on-the-job learning and apprentices meeting once a month in a bakery classroom environment.
While on-the-job delivery usually only allows for visits to the workplace, the New England Campus went the extra length with bakery owners and took on the suggestion to bring the apprentices together once a month. This is so they mix with other apprentices and are able to see products that are not produced in their workplace.
In February this year, the industry in the Apprentices in the Riverina liked the concept and after a meeting of industry people, including Matt McAllister from the TAFE, it was agreed the TAFE would like to try this and have committed to this style of learning.
In July this year, the very first group of apprentices met at the South Wagga Bakery, which has been offered as the bakery classroom. Matt reports so far so good, and the students are enjoying being together to share knowledge and learn from their peers.
The BAA would like to thank Lorraine, Frances and Brian form the South Wagga Wagga Bakery who have allowed this to happen.
Anyone interested in this program should contact the New England TAFE Campus.
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