ORLANDO, FLA. — The American Bakers Association (ABA) is exploring an association-branded apprenticeship program to alleviate the workforce gap for much-needed maintenance and other skilled positions as part of its five-year strategic initiative to make the baking industry a destination workplace.

Speaking at the ABA Convention, held March 23-26 in Orlando, Fla., Thomas Bailey, director of government relations, ABA, noted that initial research on the apprenticeship program began in October, and the association is looking for support in developing the concept.

“We’ve talked to ABA members who have their own apprenticeship programs and to other associations that have their programs, and it seems like it could be a positive solution,” he told ABA members during a crowded breakfast discussion. “We are looking for ABA members to provide guidance on the applicability and feasibility of a program like this for the industry.”

He added that the apprenticeship would supplement the training that junior colleges and trade schools already offer while promoting opportunities for local high school graduates who may not have the resources or prefer not to attend a four-year college program.

Bailey explained the apprenticeship would involve about two years of on-the-job and classroom training under the mentorship of an employee who is skilled as a mechanic or another specific position within the bakery’s operation.

“People aren’t necessarily aware of commercial baking as a career path, and once they get into the baking industry, they realize there is a lot of room to build their career,” he said. “The challenge is generating greater awareness within these talent pools about the opportunities in commercial baking.”

Moreover, Bailey said the position would come with an endorsement of training from the association and allow bakeries to demonstrate to their communities that they want to assist people who are looking for a career and want an education in the baking industry.

“They can get an ABA stamp that says this person is a skilled individual as a maintenance mechanic, so bakeries know he or she has those skills to work in the industry,” he said. 

During the presentation, Bailey mentioned that ABA is following a number of other labor-related issues, including the overtime rule, classification of independent contractors and a potential food industry-specific immigration bill to alleviate the current workforce shortage. 

Moreover, he noted that ABA is monitoring potential Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) heat standards that would impose burdens on businesses without allowing for flexible compliance measures that prioritize employee safety while addressing the differences between sectors.

“ABA is committed to advocating on the industry’s behalf by analyzing legislative and regulatory developments, and providing them with programs that support their businesses,” Bailey said.