With the advent of technology and industrialization, Vietnamese workers seem to have more options in choosing their career path than in previous years. However, the wave of modernization and industrialization has not spread evenly to all fields, leading to certain disadvantages and limitations for a number of industries whose development potential would certainly not be less than that of other industries – this includes the baking industry. The lack of skilled workers as well as training centers that offer in-depth understanding and training on baking science have partly made this profession less competitive and not attractive to workers in choosing it as a career.
ASSIST partnered with Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), SAF-Viet, and Ly Tu Trong College (LTTC) to launch the Baking training to Augment Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Development (BAKE) project with the aim to develop the local baking trade, and improve its image by establishing a vocational baking training center in Ho Chi Minh City that offers specialized skills training for promoting modern baking techniques. The result and numbers after its run from November 2018 to April 2021 prove the impact.
A Baking Training Center was established at Ly Tu Trong College, complete with equipment and machines classified as the most advanced in comparison to other baking training centers in Ho Chi Minh City. Under the project, 10 teachers of Ly Tu Trong College were officially trained on the essential knowledge and skills needed to conduct the training programs. Another project milestone was the Ly Tu Trong College’s accreditation from the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training to officially offer the Baking technique subject as part of their course syllabus.
From 2020 up until the project closing on April 2021, close to 200 vocational students completed the training program and received certificates. Most of the students trained show great interest in pursuing a career in the baking industry, either on their own or working for a bakery. The Mekong Project Team also connected the graduated students to some bakeries for an internship opportunity and eventually, full-time employment.
Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the BAKE project still rolled on a high note. With a promise of elevating Vietnam’s baking trade, BAKE will continue to spark interest in the art of modern baking.
