A recent visit to a group of artisan graduates from BARO’s training program revealed a remarkable display of innovation, resourcefulness, and dedication to their craft. As we strive to continuously improve our training programs, the feedback and insights gained from this visit have been invaluable.
One of the standout observations from the visit was the graduates’ emphasis on uniformity of product, a key principle stressed during their training. Despite limited resources, they have found creative ways to achieve consistency in their products, using everyday objects such as Fanta bottles and plastic bottles to roll out dough and create holes in donuts.
This resourcefulness is a testament to the graduates’ ability to think outside the box and adapt to challenging circumstances. However, it also highlights the need for specialized equipment and tools to refine their craft and produce high-quality products.
During the visit, the graduates expressed their desire for equipment such as weighing scales, cutters, and donut cutters, which would enable them to produce uniform products and meet the demands of their growing customer base.
In addition to their resourcefulness and creativity, the graduates also demonstrated a keen awareness of the importance of hygiene practices in food preparation. They proudly showed us how they wash and store their makeshift tools, highlighting their commitment to producing safe and healthy products.
As an institution, this visit has prompted us to think beyond the classroom and consider how we can better support our graduates as they transition into the workforce. One potential solution is to provide a small kit of specialized tools and equipment to our graduates, empowering them to produce high-quality products and succeed in their chosen craft.
This is an idea that we will be exploring further at an institutional level, with the goal of enhancing our artisan training program and providing our graduates with the resources they need to thrive. By listening to their feedback and incorporating their insights into our program, we can create a truly world-class training experience that sets our graduates up for success.
