Shape Patisserie & Bake – Youth Guarantee Trailblazer
Overview
A growing bakery and café business in Darlington is helping young people take meaningful steps into employment through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme.
Shape Patisserie & Bake, alongside sister venues Banqo, Influence Café and Number 8 Bakehouse, has welcomed nine young people aged 18–21 into roles across baking, hospitality and customer service.
The challenge
As the business expanded, Shape Patisserie & Bake faced ongoing challenges in recruiting skilled bakers and hospitality staff. At the same time, many young people in the local area were struggling to access stable employment or gain the experience needed to progress into work.
The support
Through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme, the business was able to offer fully funded placements lasting between three and six months, alongside training and development opportunities.
This support allowed Shape to invest time in developing new talent while removing many of the financial barriers typically associated with recruitment and training.
Trailblazers on the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme at Shape Patisserie and Bake in Darlington town centre. Aimee Bruce, Gabriel Howard and Caitlin Armstrong.
The impact
The programme has had a transformative effect on both the business and the young people involved. Participants have developed practical skills, improved their confidence and gained valuable workplace experience in a supportive environment.
Gabriel Howard, now working as an assistant chef, said: “I’m no longer homeless, I can afford rent, and it was one of the smoothest and most efficient ways of getting a job.”
“I was on the street and now I’m going to work.”
Aimee Bruce said: “I’ve had a lot of fun learning all the different recipes and even doing some of the service.”
Caitlin Armstrong added: “I’ve improved in my confidence and my social skills.”
For the business, the programme has created a pathway to develop future bakers and strengthen its workforce.
Owner Catalin Cirimpei said:
“What we’re trying to achieve with this is taking as many as possible to create proper bakers.”
“It just hits the spot with what we want to do here.”
The future
Shape Patisserie & Bake is now looking to retain and develop the young people it has supported, while continuing to expand its operations across the region.
Reflecting on his experience, Gabriel said:
“Don’t hold back… you’ve got nothing to lose, and you’ve got everything to gain.”
