One of the country’s most prestigious national annual events recognising the best young baking apprentices is almost here, this year taking place in conjunction with the Australian Society of Baking (ASB) national conference.

Established in honour of baking industry pioneer Les Judge, the LA Judge Award is a tough challenge for up and coming stars, with many apprentices training for months to showcase practical baking skills, technical knowledge and communication abilities in three days of competition.

This year, six candidates from across Australia and New Zealand will be taking part in the competition, held at GrainGrowers’ in-house baking facilities.

Good luck to the following competitors:

Conor McNaught – QLD

Conor has worked at Woolworths in Springwood for the past 18 months, and is focused on completing his apprenticeship and expanding knowledge in other areas of the bread industry. Conor is a competitor to watch, having previously competed in the NBIA Best Hot Cross Bun Competition, the Toowoomba Bread Show and the Woolworths Greatest Hot Cross Bun National Championship, placing first in all three competitions.

Daniel Li – WA

Daniel took home the John Noonan award in 2014, and has worked at the Noranda Bakers Delight for the past 16 months. He is currently aiming to sharpen his skills and expand his knowledge so he can bake in some of the best bakeries around the world.

Melvin Chan – SA

With a passion for baking, this is Melvin’s first competition. He has worked at Muratti Cakes and Gateaux in Prospect for the last seven months. He would like to inspire new generations of bakers by constantly improving his skills.

Bree Ann Scott – NZ

Bree Ann has been working at the Lyttelton Bakery for more than four years. Her passion lies within the cake world, where she would like to gain experience in a cake shop before owning her own business. Bree Ann received top scores in the 2014-2015 New Zealand Young Bread Baker competition.

Michael Chapman – VIC

Michael has worked at the Beechworth Bakery in Echuca for more than two years. He would like to go overseas to broaden his knowledge so he is then able to manage a bakery and make a great name for himself. Michael competed in the Excellence in Baking competition in 2014 and placed fourth.

Matthew Moon – NSW

With the goal of opening his own bakery, Matthew has been working at Bakehouse Delights in Nowra East for more than three years. Matthew competed in the Baking Association of Australia Excellence of Baking competition in 2013 and placed first. In 2014 he also received second place in the Regional Bake Skills and fourth place in the Regional World Skills.

Australian Baking Business readers are invited to celebrate the LA Judge winners at an awards gala, which GrainGrowers chief executive officer Alicia Garden said will provide competitors and the opportunity to network with representatives from all facets of the industry – particularly milling and baking sectors.

“GrainGrowers is proud to host the event, and the gala awards dinner is an auspicious occasion and a fantastic time for all of the industry to get together and celebrate the next generation,” she said.

This year’s LA Judge Gala Dinner and Award Presentation will be held at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf on Thursday 21st May. Tickets to the LA Judge Gala Dinner and Award Presentation are available now. Email events@graingrowers.com.au for more information or visit www.graingrowers.com.au/events-courses/eventslist/l-a-judge to purchase your ticket today.