Onefile – making learner management a piece of cake for baking apprenticeships

Judging by the amazing ‘showstoppers’ on popular reality tv programme the Great British Bake Off, there’s an awful lot of talented amateur bakers out there. 

But what’s it like turning a love of breadmaking or cake baking into a career? What are the employment opportunities and is there a vocational route into the industry? 

Well, for young bakers looking to work in a craft bakery, plant bakery or in-store outlet, there’s the level 2 baker apprenticeship. It’s an occupation standard with a broad scope, taking in the job requirements of both large and small employers in baked goods manufacturing and retailing.  

How Onefile supplies the right learner management ingredients  

Baking is a demanding job that often requires employees to work unsocial hours and to tight deadlines. So, for apprentices any help they can get in managing on-the-job training with study time, is most welcome.  

As the leading learner management platform, Onefile understands this and has the online tools to save busy baking apprentice's precious time. And, for employers and trainers, Onefile contains all the right ingredients to help them manage an apprentice’s progress, track learner activities and assess them remotely. 

Our suite of services also helps keep bakeries compliant, ensuring that all data relating to apprentice learning hours, funding etc. is submitted accurately and on time.  

The Level 2 Baker apprenticeship  

This apprenticeship takes 18 months to complete, not counting EPA, and attracts government funding of up to £9,000. 

Currently 14 training providers in England offer the programme including several FE colleges. Household name supermarkets and bakers such as Warburtons, Hovis, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons were among the employers involved in creating the standard.  

What an apprentice will learn 

Whether they’re working in a large food manufacturing plant, in-house in a retail bakery or in a family business producing hand crafted baked goods, all level 2 apprentices will all learn the same core skills. They will be trained and assessed against these skills and in line with one of three options: craft baker, plant baker or retail baker. 

Bakers must be able to work by themselves or as part of a team under supervision and produce bakery items safely and to specification. They will also be expected to work efficiently, productively and to deadline, ensuring that all environmental and health & safety requirements are met.  

When qualified in the core skills and one of the three options, apprentices can take up occupations that include baker, baking operative and confectioner. If they wish, they can then progress to a level 3 apprenticeship such as pastry chef or lead baker.  

If you’re an employer or training provider looking to achieve the best outcome for your baker apprenticeship scheme, talk to us today.