Scottish Bakers’ National Food and Drink Training (NFDT) welcomed the Higher and Further Education Minister Mr Graeme Dey to a site visit with bakers Fisher and Donaldson in Cupar, Fife.

During the visit, Minister Dey had the opportunity to grain first hand insight into the experiences of learners undergoing apprenticeship training at Fisher and Donaldson. While touring the bakery, he heard first-hand about the benefits of specialist work-based training and the impact it has on the overall business efficiency.

Learners Logan and Ailsa shared their experiences with Dey, highlighting how the training had significantly enhanced their skills and bolstered their confidence. The articulated how the skills they have developed have directly contributed to their personal growth and provided them with the conviction to “drive and innovate change”, supporting business efficiency within bakery manufacturing.

Scottish Bakers said the visit served as a “testament to the pivotal role Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) play in shaping a skilled workforce within the food industry” and emphasised the “Government’s commitment to developing a clearer and more coherent national careers offering”.

Minister for Further Education Graeme Dey said: “The food and drink industry is a major contributor to Scotland’s economy, so it has been hugely encouraging for me to meet the apprentices at Fisher and Donaldson to hear about the impact this training has had on their careers and development.

“Apprenticeships provide life-changing opportunities for our young people and are a key tool for employers to invest in their workforce, providing the skills the economy needs both now and in the future.

“The Scottish Government’s priority is for high quality apprenticeships that provide sustainable jobs and careers characterised by Fair Work.”

Apprenticeship training “key to the future”

Chloe Milne, Fisher and Donaldson co-director, said: “As a 100-year-old, fifth generation family business, we take our responsibility to train and retain the next generation of skilled artisan bakers seriously.

“New talent drives innovation and creativity for our business, so our current apprentices add value to our operation.

“They play a vital role in helping us delight our customers daily and this in turn has made a huge contribution to the growth and development of our business. The onsite training NFDT provide is invaluable as it provides real time, real environment learning.”

NFTD Training and Quality Manager Scott Anderson said: “It is always amazing to see how the apprentices grow in both their confidence and skills when they are in a supportive workplace which is open to the training and development programmes that NFDT deliver.

“Their skills and knowledge make a significant difference every day and it is a delight seeing them develop and aid the future sustainability of the industry.

“The specialist, workplace apprenticeship training we provide is key to future proofing the baker sector and attracting its future talent.”