Park Cakes in Bolton are the latest business to show their commitment to support workplace skills by signing up to the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) Skills Pledge.

As part of the Skills Pledge the Park Cakes and the union committed to “support the skills development of the entire workforce to a minimum of a full Level 2 qualification.”

BFAWU Learning Services Manager Lisa Greenfield explains more about the Skills Pledge and it’s long term benefits to workers:

Within the pledge the company has agreed to support learning , as some of the learners are at Entry Levels, to gain a level 2 will be a long  journey but the company have agreed to support these learners until they achieve a level 2 qualification.”

Park Cakes in Bolton produces a wide verity of cakes and deserts, such as Lemon Drizzle, Red Velvet, Chocolate, Carrot and Party Tray Bakes and has a large workforce, from a diverse range of backgrounds and nationalities, working in its food production factory.

The company contacted BFAWU Project Worker John Fox through Geoff Atkinson, the unions full time official at the site. John explained that initially it was difficult to promote the learning and skills agenda at the workplace due to internal changes happening.

However things have settled down and everyone is ready to moved on with learning again.

John said:

When Louise Colderley, from the companies HR department, took up the position she worked with us and helped us to start the learning journey for the staff at Park Cakes.”

The Skills Pledge is already make a difference to the workforce as John explained:

We have around 60 of the staff that has signed up to do the Essential English and Maths, with around 43 different nationalities working on the site.”

Lisa added:

Park Cakes have been working closely with the BFAWU Learning Services Project Worker John and our amazing volunteer Lorraine.  English classes are soon to start and we hope that learning becomes a regular part of everyday life at the site in Bolton.”

Lisa is pleased that the company has made the decision to decide to sign up to the union’s pledge to support learning within it’s workforce.

Lisa said:

Thank you to everyone involved in making this a successful partnership. In particular I would like to thank John and Lorraine for all their hard work. This site wasn’t an easy one but their hard work and determination has paid off.”