Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour partnered with Tekton Social Development Association, Inc., to launch “Knead and Lead: Train the Trainers Program,” an initiative designed to equip individuals with sustainable baking skills and help create livelihood opportunities.
The program aims to develop a pool of trainers from Missio Amare’s Laguna and Metro Manila chapters, who will eventually lead baking livelihood sessions in their respective communities. Through this approach, the program seeks to create long-term livelihood opportunities while strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship through technical baking education.
The collaboration highlights URC Flour’s commitment to community empowerment by helping aspiring bakers gain practical knowledge and training experience. By focusing on sustainable skills development, the initiative supports individuals who can eventually share their expertise with others and help expand livelihood opportunities within their local communities.
Three-Phase Baking Program Builds Technical Expertise
This initiative has three phases: Commercial Baking, Technical Baking, and Practical Demonstration.
Following the Commercial Baking session last April 13, the participants advanced to their Technical Baking classes last April 27 to 30. The second phase enabled the trainees to further enhance their baking competencies and technical knowledge through more advanced instruction and hands-on learning experiences.
The program will culminate in phase three, Practical Demonstration, where participants will be assessed on leading community training sessions. This final phase is designed to evaluate both their technical baking skills and their ability to guide future trainees in their respective communities.
Through its structured learning approach, the program aims to create a sustainable cycle of education and livelihood development. Participants are not only trained to improve their baking expertise but are also prepared to become trainers who can share valuable knowledge with others.
The “Knead and Lead” initiative also reflects the importance of community-based learning in creating long-term economic opportunities. By developing trainers from within local communities, the program strengthens accessibility to skills training while encouraging entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Baker John Academy Supports Community Livelihood Opportunities
The graduates of URC Flour’s program will receive a Certificate of Program Completion and an opportunity to join a recognized pool of trainers under the brand’s training facility, Baker John Academy. They will also be empowered to conduct workshops in their respective communities.
Under this partnership with Missio Amare, URC Flour provides instructors, modules, baking ingredients, as well as a training facility through Baker John Academy. The partnership also sets clear success targets, including reaching at least 300 community beneficiaries within the program term, ensuring continuity and measurable impact beyond the initial training phase.
Through the support of Baker John Academy, trainees gain access to structured learning resources and technical guidance that can help strengthen their baking capabilities. The initiative also promotes knowledge-sharing within communities by encouraging graduates to conduct workshops and livelihood sessions for future participants.
By creating a network of trained community mentors, the program seeks to extend the impact of the initiative beyond the original group of trainees. This approach supports long-term sustainability while helping communities build stronger livelihood opportunities centered on baking and entrepreneurship.
URC Flour Reinforces Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Through “Knead and Lead,” URC Flour reinforces its commitment to community empowerment by sharing its expertise, resources, and technical support. The initiative reflects the company’s broader vision of fostering inclusive growth and helping communities build sustainable livelihoods through baking.
The partnership with Tekton Social Development Association, Inc., demonstrates how collaborative programs can create meaningful opportunities through education and technical skills training. By combining practical instruction with community engagement, the initiative helps participants develop knowledge that can support future livelihood opportunities.
“Knead and Lead: Train the Trainers Program” also emphasizes the value of sustainable community development through mentorship and skills-sharing. With a clear training structure, measurable goals, and long-term community focus, the initiative aims to create lasting impact for aspiring bakers and local trainers.
As the program progresses through its final phase, URC Flour and its partners continue to support communities by promoting entrepreneurship, technical learning, and sustainable livelihood development through baking education.
