Eurobake, Albany
Laurence is currently working on his Level 4 Craft Baking Qualification at Eurobake. He is thoroughly enjoying his apprenticeship, and says he knows he has made a career choice thats right for him.
I always enjoyed baking and home and thought it would be nice to learn how to do it as a career. Its just something I picked up easily.
Youre basically being paid to learn with the modern apprenticeship system, whereas you have to pay them money at Uni and youre not earning anything. In addition to working, you get sent folders to learn the theory. You learn about what can go wrong with products and why, the ins and outs of it, rather than just how to make it.
Its a great industry to get in to and its a lot of fun. One of my dreams is to go overseas and learn how to do all sorts of breads and pastries from around the world and learn how everyone does it differently. Thats what I want to do. The Baking Qualification is recognized internationally so Ill be able to do that.
Laurence says the supportive work environment is a great perk of his baking apprenticeship.
Its a real balance between a relaxed but get your work done type environment. Everyone I work with is a really good baker so I learn a lot off of them, which is good. And, if you want to try an idea, you just go ahead and try it. We experiment all the time. If it doesnt come out nicely its no big deal. Experimenting is definitely encouraged.
With his early start, Laurence has his afternoons to himself.
I start at 5:00 and finish at 1:00, depending on the day. Its nice having the afternoon off. Sometimes you are a bit tired but its nice. I just relax in the afternoons. I get a bit of surfing in, thats always good fun.
In addition to his work and training, Laurence has made some time to put his baking skills to the test.
This year, I entered the apprenticeship category of the BIANZ NZ Baker of the Year contest. Im not sure how I did yet, but I entered shortbread and sausage rolls. |
