An important aspect of all our training programmes is to provide our learners with the practical skills in order to facilitate their success in the workplace. Our Bake for Profit training course specifically focuses on the practi
cal implementation of knowledge and skills taught. Business and life skills sessions take place once a week, followed by a day of baking skills in the kitchen and the remainder of the week spent implementing the skills by ongoing baking and selling from home.
Candidates are encouraged (and equipped) to start their home-business from the commencement of the course, with a weekly cash flow injection into their business in the form of baked products and a starter kit of ingredients from Snowflake. The format of this training ensures that the new entrepreneurs receive the mentorship needed in order to get their businesses of the ground. Additional mentorship is provided in the form of job shadows at local bakeries providing candidates with valuable insight into the intricacies involved in running a small to medium sized enterprise.
Our January intake of Bake for Profit learners recently completed their 2 day job shadow assignments at several bakeries and provided the following feedback about their bakery experience
Marietta Warwick said “I loved everything about being at Tutti’s bakery! They can be proud of themselves and their products. I discovered the importance of constant quality control, planning and organisation.â€
Minnie Swarts and Azipheli Luningo thoroughly enjoyed their job shadows at Charly’s Bakery and were excited to l learn how to use fondant in the icing of cakes. Aziphele said that it inspired her to be a little more experimental with her baking. Minnie also realised the importance of staying focussed and having the right attitude in the workplace.
Gail Petersen and Tasneem Fischer who had the opportunity of spending 2 days at Tessa’s Bakery said that while there was much to learn on the baking and decorating side, they also discovered the value of good team work. Gail shared that this experience has encouraged her to reach for her dreams.
Nombulelo Shosha was grateful fo
r the opportunity to work at Bea’s Rusks, learning more about packaging, labelling and the baking of bulk products.
Eveline Collins found the experience at Love2Bake extremely helpful. She particularly appreciated learning more about packaging, and the practical aspects of running a busy bakery.
Our partnerships with the above bakeries are extremely meaningful in equipping these students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.
We are grateful that local business owners so generously share their time and expertise, inspiring others to build a better future.
The final day of the Bake for Profit course always provides much cause for celebration as learners present their Business Plans to staff and previous participants of the programme.
Local entrepreneur and chef, Achmat Damon, joined the group to motivate the graduating candidates by sharing the lessons he has learned about starting and growing a business in the informal sector.
Elizabeth Makhalinyani, FCD’s Bake for Profit Entrepreneur of 2014, also attended the mentorship morning to encourage the group with news of the progress that she is making. Elizabeth proudly shared how she is running a small stall in Khayelitsha, selling bread at the Durbanville taxi rank, and delivering meals to a learning academy in Bellville on a weekly basis.
Elizabeth Makhalinyani   continues to amaze us. During the mentorship day, she quickly connected with one of the young learners from Khayelitsha and agreed to meet up with her after the event to look for opportunities to work together for mutual benefit. She also shared the secrets to her outrageously good steamed bread with the rest of the young entrepreneurs.