SLCTVET partners with the baking industry to address workforce challenges
Thursday, January 16, 2025
by SLCTVET
THE SAINT LUCIA TVET COUNCIL WILL LEAD THE CHARGE TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS IN BAKING AND COMMERCIAL FOOD PREPARATION.

The Saint Lucia TVET Council (SLCTVET) is working with the baking industry to address workforce development issues, including an aging labor force and insufficient skills for the sector. The Council has engaged in dialogue with partners to prepare individuals to meet industry needs for employment and secure the sustainability of the baking industry.

The sector currently faces issues of recruitment, retention, and skills development. A lack of skills, job perception and low wages are some of the challenges that keep young people away from the sector.

“If we see baking as a science, as an alternative to other professions, and if you like what you do and you have the skills, baking should be one of the sought after professions. In particular, we have in many bakeries within our industry and an aging work force and the challenge is in attracting and retaining young people within the sub-sector,” explained Sylvia Cadasse, Manees Bakery proprietor.

“Many bakeries are able to offer a competitive salary. So there might be the notion that bakeries don't pay as well,” said Lena Cadasse, Managing Director of Cadasse Bakery. “Our salaries aren't as high, and yes, we may not have seasonal benefits like a hotel might, but it is a good, solid pay scale and there are remuneration packages available within the baking sector.”

The Saint Lucia TVET Council has listened to the concerns of the baking industry and will lead the charge to implement the appropriate programs to boost interest in commercial food preparation with a specific focus on bakeries.

SLCTVET Director, Perry Thomas said: “The training institutions do not drive workforce development. It is a partnership between industry, training institutions, SLCTVET and other stakeholders to drive the workforce development initiative. We have had preliminary discussions with the baking sector and parties like the Ministry of Commerce, and we are all putting our forces together to move forward.”

Bakeries have gone through significant innovations in recent years. Increased use of automations to improve efficiency, more consistency and greater product quality has made employment a sweet deal for potential candidates.