Thoughtful, tenacious, talented – three words which the Baking Industry Awards judges used to describe Rising Star Award winner 2023 Jordan Skeet.
Working as a night baker at Norfolk-based artisan bakery Bread Source, Skeet says undertaking a bakery apprenticeship has had a transformative impact on his life.
British Baker caught up with him to find out how things have changed since winning the award, and to find out what life is really like as a bakery apprentice:
How has undertaking an apprenticeship benefited you?
It has excelled my understanding and knowledge in my work, everything from learning about the raw ingredients we use to the processes we follow and the history which has shaped our industry and knowing its why we do what we do. The apprenticeship course has boosted my progression massively – it has made me want to keep learning more and more each and every day. It is humbling when you think you’ve got it, and suddenly there’s always something else to learn and adapt to.
What has it offered you that other forms of learning/training may not have?
Opportunity and direction. The structure of the course is much clearer than any other courses I’ve been on, and the support and guidance from my teacher made me feel much more confident in my learning, which I believe has made me hit a much better grade. It has created so many opportunities for me, such as getting a placement on a week-long course at The School of Artisan Food.
What has the apprenticeship meant to Bread Source? Have they had other apprentices prior to you and will they do it again?
It’s been a huge success! We have six bakers who have all been doing the course at the same time. So firstly, it’s brought us all together as a team and helping us to work together across the sections in the bakery. I believe we have rapidly progressed as a team in the last 18 months because we have all gained so much knowledge and inspiration. For example, we have seen an increase in new product development and creativity. Bread Source will always provide opportunities to help people succeed, so I’m confident this is just the start of many more rising stars to come through.
What does a typical week look like during your apprenticeship?
I typically will do five days a week in the bakery, and I try to plan my week in advance, so I don’t feel overwhelmed. On the quieter days I like to do some coursework either at the start or end of my shift, which I allocate one hour a day for. Although the bakery can become extremely busy at times, I’m still able to work the practical sessions into my production times without causing any clashes.
What advice would you have for others considering an apprenticeship in bakery?
Go for it! If you’re passionate about your baking career, then the sky’s the limit. Some people may be unsure whether this is the right thing to do as it’s a long commitment and they think they won’t have time. But, with help from your tutor and work colleagues, it is definitely possible and within no time at all you become hooked because now you have your own answers and understanding for things that you encounter in your everyday baking life.
Using the help from bakers, who have years of experience and have mastered the foundations of what it takes to be a bake,r is such an added bonus to help you succeed as well.
What did winning the Rising Star Award mean to you?
It was such an unreal moment to even be nominated for the award, let alone to win it. It’s great to receive recognition for all the work that goes into being a baker. I’ve only been a baker for four years now so it’s important for me to keep focused as I still have a lot to learn, but I definitely won’t say no to any future awards that I have my eye on.
How has this changed your ambitions for your career in bakery?
It has made everything feel more real on the path to achieving my dreams. The baking industry has completely improved my life in so many ways, so I really want to give back and hopefully inspire anyone who wants to grab hold of their dreams – with a lot of hard work and plenty of coffee they become a reality. It has given me so much more drive to accomplish all my future ambitions and dreams I have down on paper.
No comments yet