2024 Baking Industry Training Australia Apprentice Awards and Graduation

More than 160 guests celebrated at Victoria Park Marquee Room on 12 November 2024 to recognise and reward graduating and ongoing BITA Apprentices for their outstanding performance and commitment to their training, career and the baking industry.

Dean Musgrave, General Manager, Baking Industry Training Australia, said it was a stellar night and was proud to recognise all the apprentices in the room for their hard work and dedication in their studies.  

“What an incredible evening we had at the BITA Students Award Night! As General Manager, I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work, dedication, and passion displayed by our trainers. The night was a true reflection of the spirit of BITA—coming together to celebrate the achievements of our students and the journey they are on in the baking industry.

It was a joy to see everyone come together, from students to trainers, industry partners, and supporters, creating an atmosphere full of excitement and pride. The atmosphere was filled with energy, laughter, and pride, as we recognised the outstanding efforts of our students and their growth throughout their training. This event is a reminder of the power of community, the importance of mentorship, and the bright future ahead for those who commit to excellence.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to make the night so memorable. The BITA team continues to be inspired by the dedication of our students, and I look forward to seeing all of them continue to shine in their careers. A huge thank you to our hard-working staff at BITA. Here’s to another successful year of achievements—see you at next year’s awards night!”

This year 31 awards were presented including the school-based Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice of the Year for each year of each qualification, the Rising Star Award, and the Overall Apprentice of the Year. A big congratulations to the 65 apprentices who completed their qualification this year and to the 20 graduates who attended their graduation ceremony.

The 2024 Overall Apprentice of the Year was awarded to Samuel Farrell from Banjos – Edmonton who recently completed his Certificate III in Baking. The Rising Star award was awarded to Abigail O’Keeffe from Van Wegen’s Continental Bakery, who is in the second year of her Certificate III in Baking qualification.

MOI International (MOI) was the naming sponsor of the BITA Apprentice Awards and Graduation. Stewart Baird, MOI’s General Manager, presented Samuel with the trophy for Overall BITA Apprentice of the Year.

“It’s always an honour to present the Apprentice of the Year Award, and each year, I am amazed by the talent and commitment of the apprentices coming through,” said Mr. Baird. “At MOI, we’re all about giving back to the industry to ensure it continues to thrive, so supporting BITA for this event was a no-brainer.”

Each year, MOI donates an all-expenses-paid trip to Malaysia, where the Overall Apprentice of the Year is chaperoned to the Mewah Group factories to experience where the MOI magic is made.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes and see how our fats and oils are produced, packaged, and innovated by our R&D team,” added Mr. Baird.

Samuel Farrell was thrilled to be the overall winner and couldn’t contain his excitement.

“Receiving the award was an exhilarating moment, filled with pride and gratitude. It was a validation of my hard work, dedication, and passion for my craft. This recognition means the world to me, as it showcases my abilities and motivated me to strive for excellence in all my endeavours. As I finish with my BITA training, I am finding it to be a rewarding and enriching experience. The program has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge, honing my skills, and connecting me with like-minded individuals. I am truly enjoying the journey and look forward to further growth and development in my field”.

The winners of Apprentice of the Year for the Certificate III in Baking, sponsored by Allied Pinnacle include the following:

First Year         First Place      Greer Butcher of Ten Acres
                        Second Place   Joseph Finn of  Pie-Fection Bakery
                        Third Place      Lillian Tapscott of Foxy’s Bakery

Second Year     First Place     Aleesha Dowdle of Sweet & Flour
                        Second Place   Taylor Jones of Bribie Island Bakehouse
                        Third Place      Elisabeth Green of Brumby’s Westridge

Third Year     First Place        Samuel Farrell of Banjos – Edmonton
                        Second Place   Ellie Cash of Tinana’s Hot Bread Shop
                        Third Place      Connor Laverty of O’Donnell’s Bakehouse

The winners of Apprentice of the Year for the Certificate III in Cake and Pastry, sponsored by National Baking Industry Association include the following:

First Year         First Place        Wariba Neliman of Base Chinchilla
                          Second Place   Dany Butcher of Bakeologist

Second Year    First Place        Alyssa Hatherell of Grant’s Cakes & Pies
                          Second Place   Taylor Reddicliffe of Homemade Bliss
                          Third Place      Benjamin McGaughran of Café Sisily

Third Year        First Place        Casey Larden of Horner’s of Sorrento                                                                                                                                                         Second Place   Brodie Wilson of Cedric Corre Patisserie                                                                                                                                                    Third Place     Diana Rodriguez-Ramirez of Ma Boulange Café Patisserie              

The winners of Apprentice of the Year for the Certificate III in Bread Baking, sponsored by Woolworths include the following:

First Year         First Place        Talitha Mandic of Costco – North Lakes
                           Second Place   Dylan Scott of Woolworths Sarina
                           Third Place      Grace Stegeman of Woolworths Lutwyche

Second Year     First Place        Jack Cameron of Noosa Gourmet
                           Second Place   Hope Ashford of Bakers Delight Ballina
                           Third Place      Michelle Olsson of Woolworths Keperra

Third Year        First Place        Georgia Minter of Woolworths Sugarland Bundaberg
                           Second Place   Alexandra Butler of Woolworths Airport
                           Third Place      Dayle Gillan of IGA Queen St Village

The winner of the School-Based Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by National Baking Industry Association include the following:

                          First Place        Shawn Dowling of Middlemount Bakery                                                                                                                                                    Second Place   Sienna Vanderdonk of Tarte Bakery & Café                                                                                                                                                Third Place      Solomon Bowman of Carby’s Bakehouse

On behalf of all BITA Apprentices, BITA graduates, their employers, and those who attended the evening, we would like to thank MOI International as presenting sponsor, Allied Pinnacle, Angel Yeast, Woolworths, and National Baking Industry Association as award sponsors, and Manildra Group as graduation sponsor. The evening also wouldn’t be possible without the support from supporting sponsors Puratos, KBI, Pyney’s Pie Reviews, Bakery in a Box, Kee-Seal Piping Bags and Gisler Pies.