Gold Medal Win for Newtown Catering Student

Early this year Catering student, from Newtown College (@NPTCGroup), Jess Jones achieved GOLD in the @worldskillsuk Confectionery and Patisserie competition. Unfortunately, the medal ceremony was cancelled due to COVID restrictions, but she recently received her certificate and trophy.

Skills Competition Wales, funded by the Welsh Government, is designed to raise the profile of skills in Wales. Focussing on growth areas and the needs of the economy, the competition helps boost the skillsets of the future workforce. Skills Competition Wales is aligned to WorldSkills, with many competitors going on to compete in WorldSkills UK competitions.

Catering Lecturer Mandy Carter said ‘We are extremely proud of Jess, she worked hard to practice the dishes for the Skills Wales Competition, and I’m delighted she achieved so highly winning a Gold medal. It’s disappointing that due to the current COVID situation she will not be able to progress further at this time, however, Jess is young enough to continue to strive towards achieving a place in Team GB at a later date.’ Mandy went on to say ‘We would encourage any young person who is willing to put in the time and effort to compete in World Skills competitions. It’s a fulfilling experience.’

Confectionery and Patisserie skills provide individuals with the tools necessary for successful careers as a pastry chef. Cooking enthusiasts alike benefit from participating in the courses we offer which teach Confectionery and Patisserie, to create a variety of desserts, puddings, biscuits, bread, and so on.

Jess will now go on to compete in the UK WorldSkills Finals held at Birmingham NEC next year, with the hope of gaining a place on squad UK.

Good luck Jess!