Bakeries offering voluntary placements

The following are Real Bread bakeries who have told us that they are prepared to consider taking on volunteers from time to time.

We ask anyone considering offering or taking a voluntary trainee to read this page first
Unless stated otherwise, all placements are voluntary
Any volunteering agreement will be between a bakery and volunteer
Though we endeavour to keep this page up to date, the bakeries have the right to withdraw their offers at any time without notice.
The Real Bread Campaign is not responsible for any issues arising from introductions or suggestions made

If you are interested in offering a place at your bakery, please click here.

This page is no longer being updated. Please see our classified ads page for bakeries advertising voluntary placement vacancies.

Bake with Maria at The Baking Lab

St. Johns Wood, London
www.bakewithmaria.com

Requested minimum/maximum time commitment from volunteer
I’m looking for a part-time intern for my new baking school - The Baking Lab. The position will involve 1-2 shifts a week. Each shift is between 4-6 hours long.
Any other expectations of a volunteer
Tasks will include:
●   Prepping for classes - setting up with bowls, scales, flour etc. as well as making coffee/tea
●   Assist while the class is in progress - help keeping the surfaces clean and make sure that the students have what they need
●   Cleaning up after classes - bowls and tables need to be cleaned
Any other notes for a prospective volunteer
The Baking Lab is the new headquarters for Bake with Maria, offering a unique programme of baking courses and baking related experiences. It is a place where Londoners will get a solid introduction to baking and skills that they can take away and incorporate into their daily lives. There will be rich opportunity to get involved in the baking as well as learning more about running a start-up company. No previous experience is required, but a passion for Real Bread is a plus!

To apply or for more information, email maria (at) bakewithmaria.com - and please say we sent you!

Chalk Hills Bakery

South Nutfield, Surrey
www.chalkhillsbakery.com

Expenses offered
Yes, some. Realistically, I would have thought the apprentice would have to be quite local.
Requested minimum/maximum time commitment from volunteer
Not sure that we have a full time apprentice position at the moment, but I think we could consider three nights work, Wednesday through to Friday night.
Any other expectations of a volunteer
A willingness to learn and fit in. A person with the right attitude can be better than a person with experience and the wrong attitude. Will discuss with volunteer before start
Any other notes for a prospective volunteer
We would aim to pass on the fundamentals and principals in naturally occurring yeasted breads and long fermentation. Basic bakery procedures and bread production. Basic hygiene and bakery organisation.

Denver Mill

Denver, Norfolk
www.denvermill.co.uk

Expenses offered
Yes, some
Requested minimum/maximum time commitment from volunteer
Three shifts per week for four weeks (usually 8am-2pm)
Any other expectations of a volunteer
Will discuss with volunteer before start
Any other notes for a prospective volunteer
Will discuss with volunteer before start

Greenfield Bakers

Friskney, Lincolnshire
www.ruralfabulous.co.uk

Expenses offered
Yes, some
Requested minimum/maximum time commitment from volunteer
The bakery only operates two/three days a week. Ideally someone who could commit to two days for a minimum of four weeks would gain a good insight into the baking processes here. We would be happy to have someone for a longer period and anyone interested in participating in our selling events
Any other expectations of a volunteer
Need to have basic food hygiene skills and have an interest in Real Bread.
Any other notes for a prospective volunteer
The bakery is in a rural location and is a micro-business run by the family. The bakery uses a French clay oven which is wood-fired. All bread is slow fermented, hand shaped and baked directly on the oven hearth. The baking process has to take account of the weather, and the moods of both the oven and baker.

The Hungry Guest

West Sussex

Expenses offered
No
Requested minimum/maximum time commitment from volunteer
Will discuss with volunteer before start
Any other expectations of a volunteer
Will discuss with volunteer before start
Any other notes for a prospective volunteer
Prospective candidates will be made aware of and need to sign a confidentiality agreement. Placements not available to anyone planning to bake within competitive distance of the bakery.

Lucky 13 Bakehouse

Birmingham
www.lucky13bakehouse.com

Expenses offered
Some
Requested minimum/maximum time commitment from volunteer
We're looking for interns to help support our growing bakery - between 3 and 6 shifts a week available, depending on how much time you would like to commit. Must be happy to work very early starts (from 4am), and night shifts (from 11pm). Trial shifts available before you make any decisions.
Any other expectations of a volunteer
We're looking for hard-working, committed and passionate foodies. The role will involve everything from washing up and sweeping the floor, to shaping breads and developing new recipes. There will also be opportunities to work on market stalls and attend meetings with our clients, so confidence and friendliness is also important.
Any other notes for a prospective volunteer
Potential to offer paid work or Birmingham College of Food apprenticeships from September for the right person/people.

Slow Bread Co.

Chiswick, London
slowbreadcompany.co.uk

Expenses offered
A contribution towards travel can be offered.
Requested minimum/maximum time commitmen from volunteer
As much as you're prepared to do! But it is not worth committing for less than a month.
Any other expectation of the volunteer
We expect volunteer to: Aid with all bakery tasks including prep and cleaning. Possibly some local delivery in extremis.
Any other notes
We will teach volume baking, leaven management, steam oven, retarding techniques, shaping loaves and setting oven.

Slow Dough Bakery

Stutton, Suffolk
slowdoughbakery.wordpress.com

Expenses offered
Yes, some
Requested minimum/maximum time commitment from volunteer
The apprenticeship would be for a minimum of 3 months part-time (minimum 8 hours, maximum 16 hours a week) but there is a good possibility of paid work after this period.
Any other expectations of a volunteer
Possibly some delivering of bread to wholesale customers and staffing occasional market stalls which would be paid not voluntary, and if using own vehicle, with mileage expenses paid.
Any other notes for a prospective volunteer
The ideal candidate should live within commuting distance, does not need to have experience but should have a strong interest in baking bread, be hard-working and committed. The voluntary placement may lead to paid work with us afterwards if we have sufficient business and both parties agree.

Tracebridge Sourdough

Tracebridge, Somerset
www.tracebridgesourdough.co.uk

Expenses offered
We provide accommodation (basic – caravan) and food in exchange for your help in the bakery.
Requested minimum/maximum time commitment from volunteer
A minimum of one month – maximum three. Will discuss details with volunteer before start
Any other expectations of a volunteer
Will discuss with volunteer before start
Any other notes for a prospective volunteer
We are a small bakery in rural Somerset, baking four days a week for local Farmers' Markets, village shops and restaurants. We make mainly sourdoughs but also sweet buns and focaccia with local produce. Our previous apprentice found that our small scale and days off baking gave her plenty of time to experiment on her own bread ideas – and helped develop ours. This apprenticeship will suit someone who already knows the basics and is serious about starting their own bakery. We bake in a wood fired masonry oven and have no other oven – so again it would suit someone who plans to (or wants to try out) the rhythm of baking this way. We have other volunteers working on our small holding via WOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) at the same time. We are not certified organic but use organic flour.

Real Bread Campaign