School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Success Story with Bakers Delight

A positive experience for Paul Summers from Geelong High School under the guidance of Nikki Schammer. Nikki Schammer and her partner, both bakers, have taken over the business from Ian Oakley who owns the Leopold Bakers Delight. Nikki and her partner are the ones who have been training Paul and watching over him over his SBAT experience.

Paul currently works Sundays when he is available and Mondays. He has recently dropped off his Saturday shifts this time of year, to play cricket. He has an early start and is generally finished work at 10am. Paul also works occasional days on school holidays. Nikki would love to take on another school-based apprentice.

“If I could have another Paul I would be wrapped”, said Nikki. “He is a fantastic worker, is learning very quickly, is already running the bowl without too much help, thinks ahead and can see what’s needing to be done next and is a great team player. I don’t have anything negative to say about him and would love for him to come work with us fulltime, but I have a feeling his parents want him to finish school first. I understand that and will just wait and see how it all pans out. He fits in very well with us”.

Nikki is keen to find another suitable SBAT to add to the business.

Paul is enjoying his SBAT as he has discovered the benefits of finishing school, whilst gaining a Certificate 3 in Food Processing (Baking) being paid to learn new skills and working towards his future goal of becoming a baker.

“My school has been so helpful in organising it with the local TAFE. They make sure I complete all my written modules and never get overloaded. The SBAT is set up to make sure the time I spend in the bakery goes towards my subject credits, making it easier to get my apprenticeship”.

“Learning while being paid is awesome. I recommend the SBAT and Bakers Delight to others for sure! I can certainly say this is not just “a baking job” for me. I see a real career with Bakers Delight and would love to own my own bakery one day!”