TAFE creams bakery awards
Tuesday, 22 April 2008 10:52AM
Three apprentice bakers training with Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE have claimed coveted industry awards.
Institute Director Jo Pyne today congratulated the trio of award-winning students, who were named among the state's top apprentices at the Queensland Bakery Awards in Brisbane earlier this month.
Yarrabah Bakery employee Darrell Geary was recognised as north Queensland's best second year apprentice at the awards.
"Jamie Conrad, a first year apprentice from Innisfail, was awarded best first stage apprentice and Gerard Sykes, a third year apprentice from Townsville was awarded best in third stage," Ms Pyne said.
"Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE is north Queensland's premier bakery and pastry training provider and to have three of our students recognised for their achievements is great."
Darrell first started his apprenticeship with Yarrabah Bakery in 2006 after being approached at an opportune moment.
"It was about 7am and I walked into the Yarrabah Bakery to pick up the bread order for the local service station," Darrell said.
"The bakery was flat out and while waiting for my order I was offered a job, right there and then, so I took it."
Darrell said he was looking forward to becoming a qualified baker and eventually operating his own business, but is content where he is for now.
"I'm really enjoying my apprenticeship so to receive an award like this is an absolute bonus. I'm really happy."
The Queensland Bakery Awards recognise overall achievement in the bakery and pastry field and dedication to training and the baking industry.
Yarrabah Bakery employee, Darrell Geary with TAFE bakery teacher Peter Waters
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