Student Spotlight - Jake Taylor
This third-year apprentice is taking his baking skills to the national spotlight.
Jake Taylor will represent GOTAFE on the national stage next week when he competes in the Excellence in Baking finals at the 2025 Baking Industry Trade Show in Sydney.
The Certificate III in Baking (FBP30521) third-year apprentice won his shot at a Baking Association of Australia national title through his efforts at the state finals earlier this year.
“I liked (the experience), it was enjoyable,” Jake said.
“There was a set number of things you had to make…a white dough, a wholemeal dough and a (lot) of preset doughs that they give you, and you just make them the best that you can.
“I was a bit shocked (when I won).”
Working at Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery in Cobram, Jake’s career path fell into place when he was able to pair his passion with an apprenticeship.
“I knew I wanted to do something in hospitality or cooking, but I didn’t know what yet,” Jake said.
“My mum worked at the bakery I work at now and told me they were looking for an apprentice, so I took them up on the offer.”
Jake was thankful for the support of his employer, as well as those who have helped him prepare at GOTAFE – including Baking Trainer and Assessor Stephen Pinnuck.
“I’m a little nervous and a little excited, at the end of the day it’s a bit of fun,” Jake said.
“I’m approaching (nationals) a bit differently, I’ve been doing a bit more practice than usual.”
Stephen was proud to see Jake’s hard work paying off.
“He’s done particularly well, it’s a credit to him…but also a credit to his employer for supporting him as much as they do,” he said.
“Often we have students who are interested in competing in competitions, but the employer support is critical to undertake the extra training that’s required to get them (up to) standard to give them (a good) chance of getting a win.”
The national finals will take place from 15-16 July at the Wentworth Park Complex in Sydney, with results announced on Wednesday night at the Excellence in Baking Awards Night – better known as ‘A Night with the Champions’.
“He’s a man of few words and he just gets on with the job, hopefully he does alright,” Stephen said of Jake’s chances.
“We’ve given him a lot of tools to prepare himself for the show, but ultimately it will come down to his calmness and his confidence in that he’s done the practice, he can do the competition (and) I think he’ll do well.”
