Early school leavers in search of employment tried their hand at moulding dough and baking bread at Australian Bakels’ Brisbane test bakery in March.

Eight 15-to-17-year-olds and two BoysTown workers joined Southern Cross Baking Group (SCBG) president, Brett Noy in making a pre-ferment chia seed loaf from beginning to end.

The group also visited Brett Noy’s Uncle Bobs Bakery in Belmont to experience a bakery environment.

“We spoke about the baking industry and the opportunities that exist. The different forms that can take – bread, cake, chocolate work, sugar work and future prospects,” Mr Noy said.

Mr Noy said that BoysTown taught the group about employers’ expectations, such as punctuality, reliability and honesty.

“It was quite a large encompassing thing to cover,” Mr Noy said.

BoysTown youth worker, Shelley Davie said they introduced the group to five different industries in order to get them set for work.

“(We teach) job search skills and how to keep a job,” Ms Davie said.

“This is the first time we have done this, it’s pretty cool. They seem to enjoy it.”

SCBG member and Old Fernvale Bakery owner, Bill Rose lectured them on the career options available within the baking industry.

Sixteen-year-old BoysTown member, Melissa Green attended the class. She is interested in one day travelling the world and she would like to become a baker.

“It was great, I enjoyed it. I want to be a baker, it really interests me. You can bake anywhere,” she said.