Store opens new college for bakers
Sainsbury's has opened a college in Wellingborough where it aims to raise the standards of its in-store bakers.
The bakery college has opened in Victoria Mills, London Road, at flour suppliers Whitworths which is a partner in the venture.
Would-be bakers employed by Sainsbury's stores all over the country will go to the college to be trained.
And, instead spending 12 months to achieve an NVQ qualification, they will be trained in just six months.
Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King outlined the plan at a conference.
He said the firm had picked Wellingborough to open the new college because of the town's close relationship with Whitworths.
He said: "The college will get more qualified bakers into our stores more quickly, which will improve quality at the same time as providing our colleagues with the skills they need to carve out a rewarding career in retail.
"This is just one of many initiatives through which we provide our
colleagues with skills and training.
"We believe the investment will enable colleagues to continue to deliver the high level of customer service our shoppers expect."
He said the food industry could be the "cornerstone of job creation and economic growth over the coming decade".
He said: "Companies like Sainsbury's will continue to invest in the skills of tomorrow, but we also need help from the education system."
Wellingborough MP Peter Bone said he welcomed the news about the college.
He said: "I'm always keen to see young people trained and it's great that they have come to Wellingborough. Vocational training is something I have had experience of and I think it's a really good way forward."
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