Country Chef Bakery Co

When James began his work experience at Country Chef Bakery Co on the Sunshine Coast, he hadn’t experienced life at work in a large food manufacturing business before. With the warm welcome of fresh banana bread and incredible bakery treats greeting him on his weekly placement shifts, the experience of working in a large factory and learning the ins and outs of the workplace has been an eye-opener.

Case Study

Currently in Year 11, James is still at school, and it was his mum who encouraged him to take part in the Talent Accelerate program, an opportunity that’s proven to be valuable. Working alongside the maintenance crew as an assistant, James has taken part in a variety of practical tasks that have helped him understand how different areas of the business work.

“I have assisted with doing a variety of tasks that were mostly hands-on activities,” says James. “Doing these large variety of tasks also led me to gain exposure to what I believe is every part of the factory, which I enjoyed as I got to see how everything works.”

As part of the Talent Accelerate program, James also completed a three-week theoretical and face-to-face component, where he gained course knowledge aligned with industry-endorsed micro skills. The mix of on-the-job experience and structured learning gave James insight into both the practical and professional expectations of a real-world workplace.

Talent Accelerate was designed as a pilot program to give young people experience in industries they might not have previously considered. It aimed to build confidence and help participants develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, innovation, and communication.

James’ experience in the program gave him exposure to a large-scale work environment and a better understanding of the types of tasks involved in maintenance and factory operations. The combination of theoretical learning and practical placement allowed him to explore a different career setting while still at school, and reflect on how his interests might align with future work opportunities.

Q&A

What made you want to join Talent Accelerate?

My mother found about it online and enrolled me.

Where did you do your work placement?

The Country Chef Bakery Co.

What were your roles or types of duties at your place of work?

Assistance to the maintenance crew.

Are you currently at school, university or pursuing further studies/trade? If so, what are you studying?

I am currently in year 11. I am currently studying mathematics methods, general english, digital solutions, chemistry, and music.

What kinds of hands-on activities or real-world experiences have you enjoyed the most during the program?

I have assisted with doing a variety of tasks that were mostly hands-on activities. Doing this large variety of tasks also lead me to gain exposure too what I believe is every part of the factory which I enjoyed as I got to see how everything works.

Is there a skill or experience you’ve gained that you think will help you in future study or work?

The experience in a large factory and how they generally operate could help in future.

Has this program helped you feel more prepared or confident about your next steps?

For the majority of it, not really. Possibly the exposure to a different work environment was useful as I had never worked in a place that processes food.

What’s something you did in the program that you’d never done before?

Worked in an industrial factory that bakes products.

What would you tell someone who’s unsure if a program like this is worth it?

I would say it is worth it only if you are struggling with employment and need experience (possibly for a resume).

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