Young Limerick bakery students rise to the occasion at UK event

BAKERY STUDENTS from Limerick Youth Service (LYS) achieved success at the Alliance of Bakery Students & Trainees (ABST) annual conference.

The young adults who are students with the Professional Bakery Skills Course at the LYS Community Training Centre, joined their peers from across the UK and Ireland at the prestigious event, held in Alton Towers, England.

Now in its hundredth year, the ABST Conference is an opportunity for baking students and trainees to network with possible employers while attending lectures and workshops with leading professionals in the baking industry.

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The attendees also compete in live competitions that feature categories showcasing the diverse nature of baking. LYS was represented in several categories with students Kiril Boiko and Vladyslav Sivits, taking home silver and bronze medals respectively in the Dead Dough Modelling Plaque.

There was bronze medal success for Keelin Fitzgerald in the Novices Award. This competition is only open to students and trainees who have not entered any previous bakery competitions.

Meanwhile, away from the stoves, LYS enjoyed a double success in the Lob the Cob event with Ayesha Jones and Maksym Lisiutin crowned world champions in their respective categories.

The event involved lobbing a 400g bread cob over your head using a baker’s peel - which resembles a wooden shovel.

LYS baking instructor, Paul O'Brien said, “The learners should be extremely proud of themselves as they represented their families, friends and LYS with pride.

“They went above and beyond in preparing for this year’s competitions and deserve all the success they achieved,” said Paul.

“LYS has been attending the ABST for many years and each year the young people continue to improve and truly embrace the occasion,” he added.