In this edition of Baking Business we catch up with recently crowned national Bake Skills winners Lauren Govender and Nathan Bouchier.

Lauren Govender Bake Skills (Pastry) winner

Lauren Govender

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Lauren Govender, a passionate pastry apprentice with a love for creativity and precision in the kitchen. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to baking – I love the balance of artistry and science that pastry requires. Winning the Bake Skills competition has been such a rewarding milestone in my journey.

When and where did you start your apprenticeship?

I began my apprenticeship at Banana Boogie Bakery this year. From the very first day, I knew I had found the right path – it gave me the hands-on training and industry exposure I needed to grow as both a baker and an individual.

What do you love about pastry, and baking in general?

What I love most about pastry is the creativity. Every recipe is a chance to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. I also love how baking brings people together – there’s something so special about seeing the joy on someone’s face when they enjoy what you’ve created.

You recently won the national Bake Skills pastry title. Can you tell us about the competition experience? What did you have to do?

The competition was intense but incredibly rewarding. Over the course of the event, I had to produce a range of pastries under time pressure while showcasing technique, flavour balance, and presentation. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, but it was a wonderful way to test my skills.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of the competition? And the most challenging?

The most enjoyable part was being able to express my creativity and connect with other talented young pastry chefs. The most challenging part was definitely managing the time pressure – making sure everything was consistent and polished while racing the clock.

How was the preparation for the competition?

Preparation involved a lot of practice, refinement, and discipline. I spent countless hours perfecting recipes, fine-tuning techniques, and making sure I could deliver under pressure. It was intense, but all the effort paid off on competition day.

What are your future career ambitions? Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

In five years, I’d like to have finished my apprenticeship and really be taking on more responsibility in the kitchen. I want to keep building my skills, step into bigger challenges, and start shaping my own style as a pastry chef.

What does the rest of 2025 hold for you?

I’m excited to keep learning and challenging myself. I’ll continue to build my skills, take on new opportunities, and hopefully compete again on bigger stages. Most importantly, I want to keep pushing the boundaries of what I can do in pastry.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’d like to thank my mentors, colleagues, and everyone who has supported me along the way. Pastry is a demanding but deeply rewarding craft, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey.

Nathan Bouchier, Bake Skills (Bread) winner

Nathan Bouchier

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a fourth year apprentice who dropped into this industry on a whim, but fell in love with it completely.

When and where did you start your apprenticeship?

I started out in 2019 at Bakers Delight Findon, which is owned by the same franchisees that run the St Clair Village location, which is where I work to this day.

What do you love about baking, and bread in particular?

I believe that food is something that can bring people together like nothing else can, it’s a thing that is diverse and beautiful beyond all measure. I adore maths and science, and baking is a wonderful overlap between all three of these things. It sparks in me a passion I’ve never felt before or since.

You recently won the Bake Skills bread title. Can you tell us about the competition experience? What did you have to do?

Over the course of three days, various baking skills are put to the test: your ability to manage time effectively; stay level-headed under pressure; and, of course, your ability to make various breads. The first day is more of an orientation and prep, but the second and third we needed to produce and display breads ranging from ryes to sweet yeast to croissants to sourdoughs for judging.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of the competition? And the most challenging

Being given the opportunity to meet experts within the industry is an unforgettable experience, as well as meeting other aspiring apprentices who are passionate about what they do. My competitors are a talented bunch, and being able to share ideas and witness what they produced at the competition was highly enjoyable.

It’s quite challenging to be under the scrutiny of others sometimes, even when it feels like the hardest person on me is myself. But the beauty of Bake Skills, and even the entire industry, is that people just want to see young and new bakers be the best they can be. Taking their criticism and learning from it on is confronting, but rewarding.

How was the preparation for the competition?

It was quite jam packed, I spent about eight hours a day at work and then I would spend anywhere five to eight hours at TAFESA afterward for about a month. Really sucked the life out of me, I struggled with anxieties and insecurities. Ultimately, such efforts paid off and I am grateful to everyone who provided me with support during that trying time.

What are your future career ambitions? Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

I think that one day I would like to own a bakery myself. I love what Bakers Delight can do with bread, but I see myself gaining new skills by working at pastry-focused and patisserie-aligned bakeries in the future.

What does the rest of 2025 hold for you?

If all goes well, I will be qualified by Christmas time. After that, I plan to seek new opportunities to grow and learn. Until then, it’s business as usual producing the best bread that I can.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I highly recommend any apprentice with ambition participate in Bake Skills, or any related competition. It broadens your view of baking and brings you in contact with countless incredible people.