Bread Equipment Education and Training

Get the most out of your industrial bread maker with the proper training
By Jennifer Ehlenfeldt, Freelance Writer Commercial bread equipment is the cornerstone of any good bakery, but learning to use the equipment properly can take time and is critical to your success. As the owner/operator of a successful baking business, it's important to educate your staff in the proper operations of your bread machinery. Proper training can be anything from reading owner's manuals to taking courses on proper equipment handling.

The variations in bread processing equipment make individual training essential. Your equipment is no doubt set up differently than the bakery down the street, so individual training and education for each employee using the equipment needs to be tailored to the equipment and each individual’s level of involvement with the baking process. Find helpful training aids by:

1. Joining a professional baking association that provides educational materials.

2. Asking industrial bread machines manufacturers for their assistance.

3. Setting your employees up with some online training resources for bread equipment education and training.

Join an organization that offers commercial bread equipment educational materials

There are many national and international baking and bread making organizations that allow bakers to network and stay up to date with the latest trends. Find an organization that has training and education materials available to members that is specific to the type of bread baking machinery you own.
Try:  Join the Bread Bakers Guild of America to get access to industry newsletters, information on classes and workshops and instant connections to other bread makers. Join the American Society of Baking to network with other members. Find many educational videos, resources and training designed to help you keep your equipment meeting its potential.

Get bread baking equipment training from the manufacturer

Sometimes the best advice about a specific piece of equipment comes directly from the company that designed it. Read and follow the owner's manuals and get training and educational updates from the manufacturers of your bread making equipment.
Try:  For help with an industrial bread machine from Ordan Thermal Products, use the company's online database of articles and reports. Empire Bakery Equipment offers a full library of instructional videos to show their products in action. If you have questions or experience a problem with your equipment, try filling out a question form at the Independent Bakery Equipment Company. They promise a response within 24 hours.

Get online training, education and help with your bread making machine

The fastest and easiest way to train yourself or your employees is to find a program that offers training on the equipment you use. Look for certification programs, but make sure the program addresses your bread equipment before choosing one. Look for downloadable educational material you can share with your staff, or find an online course they can take at their own pace.
Try:  Learn proper equipment use along with the art of bread making at the Retail Bakers of America. Find a wide range of courses at the American Institute of Baking with both online and correspondence courses available.

• If you are in the process of buying new bread processing equipment, find a manufacturer that offers on-site training and technical support as a part of the purchase. This will save you time and money when it comes to educating your employees.