It’s not just baked goods that rise high – it’s our bakery apprentices too!

16 May 2023 

Bakery apprentices Aly and Alecia are exploring new horizons and enjoying the confidence boost that’s come after the double header win of completing a pre-trade bakery course and then being offered a bakery apprenticeship at PAK’nSAVE Riccarton.

The pair recently completed a 12-week Skills4Work Introduction to the World of Baking pre-trade bakery course, which has equipped them with foundational baking skills, and the soft skills and drive to succeed in their chosen field.

Skills4Work, originally a part of Foodstuffs North Island, is among a handful of Private Training Establishments (PTE) accredited to deliver the baking qualification, and the only NZQA accredited PTE for butchery training in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Aly and Alecia completed the course at the Skills4Work Fresh Foods Training Facility in Christchurch and are rapt about how it’s transformed their lives. Aly was working as a kitchen hand for a Thai restaurant and decided to put her name down for the course after spotting an ad while scrolling through Facebook.

“I thought it was a scam at first, but I did a bit more research and it seemed legit so I just went for it,” Aly says. “I wanted to find a career path that would help me keep learning and developing. I’ve always been interested in baking, and the idea of career progression and being able to create something from scratch really appealed. So, when I saw the ad, I decided to do something.”

Alecia was also looking for work, and after being referred to the course to help build her confidence, she almost doesn’t recognise herself. Nor does Matt Rudduck, PAK’nSAVE Riccarton bakery manager, who is delighted to see the progress both Aly and Alecia have made while working in the bakery department.

“The transformation in Alecia is unbelievable and she happily interacts with the entire team as she goes about her shift, carrying out daily tasks, learning from others, asking questions and helping out when needed.”

“The transformation is unbelievable.”

Aly has similarly benefited from a confidence boost she received after completing the course. “It’s given me the confidence I’ve needed and how to work well in a team,” Aly says. “I was always the quiet one in the corner, and the course really brought me out of that way of working and helped me to connect with my team.”

Aly and Alecia are grateful for all the opportunities that have opened up for them at Skills4Work and PAK’nSAVE Riccarton.

“It’s so much fun – I really love what I do, and I’m just so thankful to PAK’nSAVE Riccarton and to Skills4Work for giving us a chance and giving us a new direction,” Aly says. Alecia agrees, adding: “I’ve felt so welcomed and I’m so proud of myself and what I’ve been able to achieve already.”

Matt says: “I’m always seeing improvements from Aly and Alecia and it’s really positive to see them living our values every day, maintaining consistency, and working hard.”

Tamai Roff, CEO, Skills4Work, is delighted the organisation is helping people who come through their pre-trade programmes, and to be helping businesses in need of good, hard working, work-ready employees.

“Skills4Work has been long-time partners of Foodstuffs South Island, offering learning and development opportunities across our co-op so this course is an extension of what has always been a fruitful relationship,”

“Not only do we equip our students with the work-ready skills they need, we develop, support and train them to be the best they can be, and match them to the business where they will fit in and thrive,” Tamai says.

Kelly Chapman, Learning and Development Business Partner, Foodstuffs South Island, says: “It’s a wonderful initiative showcasing opportunities for meaningful work within our co-op, and a great way for us to build skills in a competitive trade.”

On course completion, students have the skills and experience to create:

• Breads shaped by hand
• Artisan breads – including starters and sourdough
• Specialty twists
• Small baked goods such as pizza buns, scrolls and Chelsea buns
• Tray up buns and rolls
• Basic piping, cakes and biscuits

They will also have an understanding of:

• Health and food safety
• Large manufacturing dough methods
• Primary ingredients
• Handling bakery equipment
• Chemical reactions and baking science
• Type of dough methods
• Hand dropping techniques for muffin and cake batters
• Ergonomics – sequence of work for efficiency

Foodstuffs South Island has two stores that offer full-time employment and apprenticeships for graduates of the course, PAK’n SAVE Riccarton and New World Durham Street.

About Foodstuffs South Island (FSSI)

Foodstuffs South Island is a 100% New Zealand owned co-operative, with 230 owner operated stores in communities across Te Waipounamu operating under the Four Square, New World, On the Spot, PAK’nSAVE, Raeward Fresh and Trents brands. With 12,000 Foodies across the South Island, we play a big role in Kiwis' lives. Our purpose is to feed the South Island and create successful communities and we aspire to be the South Island’s most loved and trusted retailer, positively impacting our customers’ lives every day.