Fitzbillies seeks five apprentices with premium on ‘enthusiasm and commitment’

Fitzbillies is preparing to train the next generation of bakery and hospitality professionals by starting its first apprenticeship programme this autumn.

The traineeship lasts for 12 months and it is anticipated that at the end of that time permanent positions will be offered to trainees meeting the required standard.

The trainees will spend time at all three Fitzbillies locations – Fitzbillies Trumpington Street, Fitzbillies Bridge Street, and Fitzbillies Artisan Bakery, 31B&C Clifton Road.

Alison Wright, proprietor of Fitzbillies, said: “We are looking for five enthusiastic, motivated people who want to build careers in hospitality; in artisan baking, professional cookery, or as baristas to join our team and rise through it.

“We love the bakery and hospitality industry and we’re proud to work in it – and after the upheaval in the sector caused by the pandemic, we need a next generation to join us. We have an unparalleled range of bakery and hospitality skills within one organisation, making it a perfect training ground for aspiring artisan bakers, chefs, baristas and front of house professionals. We have always done a lot of on-the-job training. This programme takes it to the next level and marks our commitment to helping develop the next generation of bakery and hospitality professionals.”

The successful candidates will spend time in each area of the business including the bakery, branches and online business before specialising in either artisan bakery, professional cookery or as specialist baristas. Fitzbillies hopes that candidates will grow and stay, “though we also know that these skills and specialisms are completely transferrable and enormously valuable across the industry and internationally”.

Applications are welcome from people of all ages and backgrounds: people at the start of their careers, those looking to change career or build new skills. What’s most important is “enthusiasm for a career in bakery and hospitality, and commitment”.

The apprenticeships are part of a wider programme of training across the whole of Fitzbillies business, to provide continuous professional development opportunities for staff in all areas and to develop the current and future managers of the business.

Fitzbillies currntly employs 65 staff across its three branches and is open seven days a week.

The programme start date is October 31, with the opportunity to start work sooner if available.