Apprentices urged to rise to baking challenge

As part of National Apprenticeship Week (March 11-15), apprentices who live or work in Oxfordshire can test their culinary skills in the inaugural baking competition. 

The Bake-Off will be judged by a panel of ‘cakes-perts’ who will award points on criteria such as taste and presentation.

The event will be held in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and HIT Training (training providers in the hospitality and catering industry) and is a variation of the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’, with proceeds going to the cancer charity.

Celebrity judges

A select panel of judges have been chosen to oversee the apprentices baking skills, which includes celebrity chef Lotte Duncan, BBC Oxford’s Jo Thoenes and leader of Oxfordshire County Council Cllr Ian Hudspeth.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, said: “I have years of experience devouring cakes so judging this bake-off will ensure that those many years have not been wasted.

“The Bake-Off is a great way to kick off a week of exciting events in Oxfordshire to showcase the talent of apprentices and celebrate the contribution they make to our economy. We are very pleased also to support the excellent work of Macmillan with an event that will capture people’s imaginations as well as their taste buds.”

Food presenter and owner of Lotte's Kitchen in Chinnor, Lotte Duncan added: “I’m delighted to support the Great Apprentice Bake Off and help judge the entries. It’s great that apprentices from different job-roles are applying to enter and as well as being a fun event, it will raise money for a fantastic charity in Macmillan.”

BBC’s Jo Thoenes was pleased to support the scheme which gives young people a chance to learn vocational skills as well as getting them on the career ladder.

She said: “There is nothing like hands on experience in the early pursuit of your career. Honing your skills, learning from professionals and absorbing the unique qualities of a chosen field are elements that can't be taught solely in the classroom.”  

Showcase talent

Cllr Nick Carter, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business & Communications, said: “Events like this give the apprentices a chance to meet their peers and share experiences, and also allow them to try something outside their usual vocational work.

“We may even have a budding chef among the apprentices who work in various sectors from engineering to social care. Overall the aim is to hold an enjoyable event that will also raise important funds for a worthy charity.”

 The Bake-Off is at County Hall on Monday March 11 and is open to any apprentice who is a resident or working in Oxfordshire. For further information and to register contact Kerri Rook at kerri.rook@hittraining.co.uk.