Family-owned bakery, established over a century ago, faces permanent closure.
In the picturesque town of Werden, nestled within the Spreewald region, the aroma of freshly baked bread has once again filled the air, bringing a sense of relief and joy to the local community. This revival is thanks to the Hanuschka bakery in Cottbus, a family-owned business that has been operating since 1904.
The Hanuschka family's generosity came at a crucial time when the old family bakery in Werden had to close its doors. A couple from Cottbus took over the bakery two years ago, but unfortunately, the owner fell seriously ill, forcing them to close again. Recognising the importance of keeping the tradition of fresh bread alive in Werden, the Hanuschka bakery stepped in to help.
The main branch in Cottbus now bakes the baked goods daily and delivers them to Werden. The bakery oven in Werden remains cold, but the town's residents are grateful for the warm loaves that now grace their tables.
The Hanuschka bakery is now run by the fifth generation, a testament to the family's dedication to their craft. Despite an overall decline in apprenticeship applications across many craft sectors in Germany, the bakery sector has experienced an increase in apprenticeships.
Several key factors contribute to this trend. First, there is a steady demand for skilled bakers in Germany, where two-thirds of school graduates undertake apprenticeships, with over 500,000 young people starting vocational training annually[1]. The bakery trade remains a traditional, accessible profession with opportunities for hands-on learning and long-term employment.
Employers in the baking industry may be more actively supporting apprentices via training allowances, subsidies, and flexible work arrangements, helping to attract and retain trainees despite tight living costs on apprenticeship pay[1]. Additionally, growing recognition of baking as a craft that involves ongoing skill development and innovation, as seen in training examples emphasizing rapid learning of new techniques, helps maintain trainee interest and career prospects[2].
The people of Werden are not the only ones benefiting from the Hanuschka bakery's generosity. The bakery sector as a whole stands to gain from the increased interest in apprenticeships, ensuring the continuation of traditional craftsmanship and the preservation of beloved local traditions like the aroma of fresh bread wafting through the streets of Werden.
The Hanuschka family's generosity extends beyond just baking, as they help preserve the traditional lifestyle of Werden by providing fresh bread daily, filling the town with the aroma reminiscent of home-and-garden warmth. The increased interest in apprenticeships in the bakery sector, due to factors like job security, hands-on learning, and industry support, is a testament to the Hanuschka family's influence, ensuring the continuation of their craft's legacy and the sustenance of free time activities like enjoying fresh bread.