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Baking brighter futures through Siyabhaka
Baking brighter futures through Siyabhaka
Inside bakeries across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, a new group of young South Africans are learning far more than the science of baking. They are stepping into opportunity, gaining confidence and building futures shaped by skill, mentorship and real industry experience.
Through the Siyabhaka Academy Learnership Programme, RCL FOODS continues to invest in the next generation of talent within South Africa’s baking industry. Established in 2019 to help address a growing skills gap, the programme gives unemployed youth access to hands-on training, technical development and nationally recognised qualifications that can open doors for years to come.
This year, 17 learners joined the programme to complete a Production Operator NQF 3 qualification. Five learners are based in KwaZulu-Natal and 12 in Gauteng, each receiving practical exposure inside large-scale baking operations while working alongside experienced industry professionals.
A key part of the programme’s impact lies in the support each learner receives throughout the journey. Dedicated Technical Advisors guide and mentor participants through every stage of the learnership, helping them develop both technical capability and workplace confidence.
The experience extends beyond the bakery floor. Learners leave the programme with practical skills, industry insight and experience that strengthen future employment opportunities in a highly competitive job market. For some, the journey may even become the foundation for entrepreneurial ambitions within their own communities.
Since launching in 2019, the Siyabhaka Academy has supported 67 learners through the programme, reflecting RCL FOODS’ ongoing commitment to skills development and youth empowerment.
By creating pathways into the industry, Siyabhaka continues to shape careers while contributing to stronger communities and a more sustainable future for South African baking.
Interested in joining the programme? The intake for our 2027 Siyabhaka Programme will open in March/April 2027. Keep an eye on the RCL FOODS Careers Portal and be sure to submit your application for the opportunity to join the programme.
