Four talented young pastry chefs have shown off their creativity in a bid to qualify for the WorldSkills UK 2023 national finals.
Level 3 Diploma in Bakery students John Samson, Jack Owen, Orion Johnson and Aaron Newall contested the WorldSkills UK Confectionery and Patisserie qualifier in Cardiff.
Scores will be announced in July and, if successful, our students will be given a chance to compete in the national finals in November. Success there could potentially lead to a place on the UK Squad and the opportunity to compete in France next year for the international pastry title.
Our students, who are competing as individuals, successfully passed an online patisserie knowledge test to secure their places in the Cardiff qualifier. This practical stage required contestants to create a highly decorated six-portion Roulade with a ‘Black Forest’ theme. They also had to produce two plated portions fit for restaurant service within the four hour competition.
Our Bakery and Patisserie team prepared the students with two weeks of extensive practical training, suggesting sketches and recipes and ensuring their ability to perform in the allocated timeframe.
The WorldSkills UK competition showcases the values, behaviours and attitudes required for a career in the confectionery industry and sets out a range of tasks which reflect both modern and traditional patisserie.
Our students are judged on skills such as creativity, time management, communication, attention to detail and their understanding of hygiene and cost production.
Course Manager Connie Oriolo said: “This was an exciting opportunity for our students to experience performing on a national stage among peers of a similar standard. They are four very proficient and passionate young people who all produced dishes to a high level. We are hoping for a good result next month.”
Orion Johnson, who wants to be a head chef or patisserie chef, said: “This was my first competition ever and I really enjoyed it. It was nice to mix with students from other colleges and we all supported each other.”
This was the first time Reaseheath has had students competing in the WorldSkills UK Confectionery and Patisserie category. In the past we have had national finalists in butchery, joinery, garden design and floristry and three students have gone on to represent UK abroad in the international finals.
