This programme was created because we noticed there was a real skill shortage in the craft baking industry and a high demand for well trained, skilled and qualified employees. Skills4Work is a niche specialised training provider who is offering this new programme Skills4Bakers. We are a partner in the Maori Pasifika Trade Training (MPTT) Consortium.
We are also an NZQA registered and accredited Category 1 training provider, who currently trains over 200+ bakery apprentices throughout NZ. Our newest Trade Baker Programme is the first of its kind to hit New Zealand.
We specialise in providing students, not only with the skills and knowledge, but also the hands-on practical work experience in the actual workplace alongside their formal training at our Manukau Centre.
Skills4Work wants to empower and support our local, up & coming, younger generation with the knowledge, expertise, and experience to really make an impact in the community. We are passionate in developing well sought-after and highly skilled students and setting them up for an exciting career in the baking industry!
When qualified you will have achieved the New Zealand Certificate in Trade Baking (Craft) Level 4 Bread Strand with additional skills and knowledge in Cake and Biscuit. Becoming a trade baker opens up career pathways such as:
This course is “Fees Free” if you are a NZ Resident. Check your eligibility on the NZQA website now! Alternatively you can contact us and we can advise you if you qualify for the scheme.
Feb 2023
Level4
Course Length18 months
Entry RequirementsYes
Fees FreeNZ Resident
LocationAuckland & Christchurch
Next Intake 7th February 2023
Course Intake dates may change due to Covid Restrictions
The Trade Baker Programme consists of six courses. The courses are 11-12 weeks each and 5 out of 6 of them are a blend of learning in the workplace via a work placement and on-site learning at our Skills4Work training centre based in Manukau, Auckland and now also available in Christchurch!
Our Auckland Training centre is only 2 mins walking distance from the Manukau train station & bus hub.
Trainee Bakers will learn:
• How to follow recipes and change ingredients when needed
• Creating from scratch and pre-mix
• Measure and mix ingredients
• Knead, roll and shape dough/pastry for baking, either manually or using industrial-grade machinery
• How to bake bread, cake, and biscuits
• How to prepare items for sale, including icing items or decorating cakes
• How to prepare customer orders and serve customers
In each course, bakery students will experience and learn about the world of baking. Bakers are creative and passionate about their trade.
You will learn about:
• The baking industry, we will show you where your career can take you as a qualified baker (visits to different baking businesses)
• How to measure, calculate ingredients to make and bake muffins, basic bread products, basic piping and more
• Health and safety, food safety
• Essential skills that employers need, such as problem-solving, creativity, growth mindset, financial literacy, entrepreneurship
You will learn:
• In a workplace environment (supported by your navigator)
• With us, about quality, more bread products and basic fillings, icings, toppings and glazes, and how to apply these to bakery products
• The baking process and chemical reactions of ingredients and all the different bakery equipment
You will learn:
• In a workplace environment (supported by your navigator)
• With us, about waste production and sustainability
• Producing more bakery products/fillings, icings, topping and glazes, using
chocolate, spices, butter cream, savoury and savoury fillings
• Making meringue, ganache and using fondant and royal icing to name a few
You will learn:
• In a workplace environment (supported by your navigator)
• With us, about baking white, grain, wholemeal and grain bread products
• Production planning in a bakery
• Baking nutrition
You will learn:
• In a workplace environment (supported by your navigator)
• With us, about baking specialty artisan bread products, such as pita focaccia, French, Turkish, German, Swiss
• Further production planning in a bakery
You will learn:
• In a workplace environment (supported by your navigator)
• With us, about baking specialty cakes, such as gateaux, cheesecake and other delicatessen goodies
*Throughout the courses you will develop further cake decorating skills, as well as more complex bakery products.
Work placements start in Course 2 where you will be at our training centre two days per week and the other three days with the employer. With work placements, we will do our best to find somewhere as close to where you live, as possible.
We have great connections with employers throughout New Zealand. Skills learnt, not only give you the opportunity to gain full-time employment but provide you with skills to support your family and the community.
Whilst we would love to take on every single person who applies we do have some criteria you must meet:
• Domestic Student
• New Zealand Citizen or Resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have NCEA Level 2 or equivalent knowledge OR current industry experience
• NZ Citizen/Residents may be eligible for the Fees Free Scheme or, via the MPTT Consortium (Maori Pasifika Trades Training)
• Student Loan and allowance options are available via Study Link
• Must able to physically lift around 20 to 25kgs
• Must be able to travel to our training centre in Manukau, Auckland or our training centre in Christchurch.
Do you have an opportunity for our Bakery students to join your business as an apprentice? Get in touch to list your vacancy on our website!
This is the description.
That’s why we’re passionate about designing customised training solutions. Discover the wide variety of courses we offer below, and how we can customise our programmes and resources to suit your needs.
Whether you’re a company looking to nurture and advance your team, or an individual looking for flexible learning options – our aim is to train for the future.