Spotlight on Education - Reaseheath College & University Centre reaseheathWe are very pleased to introduce Reaseheath College and University Centre in Cheshire as our first Spotlight on Education article. The ABST links with Bakery Colleges and Universities throughout the UK and Ireland to support bakery students on Further and Higher Education courses.
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Reaseheath | OverviewBased in Reaseheath’s industry standard Food Centre, which is British Retail Consortium Grade AA accredited, the college’s popular bakery and patisserie department has bespoke and innovative teaching facilities including a breadmaking room, patisserie area, chocolate room and cake decorating room.
Students enjoy a wide range of practical experiences as well as classroom learning. These range from baking products in industrial sized ovens to creating confectionery and chocolates, some of which are sold on campus. Taught by supportive and experienced staff, they learn modern and traditional methods of baking and cake decorating, and are also introduced to new product development.
Students prepare for the world of work by completing work placements, going on study trips to commercial companies and artisan bakeries and studying for additional certificates in food safety and health, risk assessment and HACCP safety. Many go on to run their own businesses or are employed by large corporates. One of the students’ current projects is the creation of a multi layered cake representing all areas of Reaseheath in celebration of the college’s centenary birthday. |
Reaseheath Course Information
Reaseheath courses:
• BSc (Hons) Food Manufacturing with Operations Management (1 year top-up)
• Foundation Degree in Food Science and Innovation
• Foundation Degree Bakery and Patisserie Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Professional Bakery
• Level 2 Diploma in Professional Bakery
• Level 2 Apprenticeship in Bakery
Reaseheath also offers evening classes in cake decorating and bakery and chocolate workshops. The industry standard facilities are available for hire by businesses for trial work and team building days.
For further information:
www.reaseheath.ac.uk/bakery (Diplomas)
www.ucreaseheath.ac.uk/food-science (Degrees)
• BSc (Hons) Food Manufacturing with Operations Management (1 year top-up)
• Foundation Degree in Food Science and Innovation
• Foundation Degree Bakery and Patisserie Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Professional Bakery
• Level 2 Diploma in Professional Bakery
• Level 2 Apprenticeship in Bakery
Reaseheath also offers evening classes in cake decorating and bakery and chocolate workshops. The industry standard facilities are available for hire by businesses for trial work and team building days.
For further information:
www.reaseheath.ac.uk/bakery (Diplomas)
www.ucreaseheath.ac.uk/food-science (Degrees)
Specialist Staff - Sam's story
Sam Copeland - Bakery and Patisserie Course Manager
“My passion for baking began at an early age. I loved baking with my Mum and Gran and enrolled at catering college when I was 16. “As my culinary knowledge grew, so did my enthusiasm – and when a friend asked me to create her engagement cake I jumped at the opportunity! I received great feedback, caught the cake decorating bug and spent the next few years learning new techniques and tips. I then set up my own cake decorating business, working from home to fit round the demands of my growing family, and later became a catering manager. |
“In 2009 I had some unexpected time on my hands and decided to study for a degree. I fitted in my studies around attending hospital with my youngest daughter and was so keen to succeed that I would take my assignments to do by her bedside while she recovered from surgery.
“My hard work paid off! I achieved a distinction at foundation degree level and decided to continue studying at Reaseheath, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Food Technology in 2012. The following year I was thrilled to be offered a role in the college’s food department and I am now a bakery and patisserie course manager. The cake decorating modules are still my favourite!
“The encouragement and pastoral support I received from my lecturers gave me the confidence to truly believe that I could achieve my degree. It made me realise just what a special place Reaseheath is.
“I love working with young people here and strive to inspire the next generation.”
“My hard work paid off! I achieved a distinction at foundation degree level and decided to continue studying at Reaseheath, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Food Technology in 2012. The following year I was thrilled to be offered a role in the college’s food department and I am now a bakery and patisserie course manager. The cake decorating modules are still my favourite!
“The encouragement and pastoral support I received from my lecturers gave me the confidence to truly believe that I could achieve my degree. It made me realise just what a special place Reaseheath is.
“I love working with young people here and strive to inspire the next generation.”
SUper Student - Charlotte's Story
Charlotte Lawler
Level 2 Diploma in Professional Bakery 2018 Level 3 Diploma in Professional Bakery 2019 Foundation Degree in Bakery and Patisserie Technology 2021 Age: 20 Job title: Cake shop owner “I launched Cakeologyco during lockdown and used Instagram and FaceBook to build an on-line customer base for my home baked cakes, cup cakes, brownies and treats. I’ve now bought my own cake shop in my home town of Bolton, extended my range and opened for business! “I can’t believe how much Cakeologyco grew in one year. I think a lot of the success was because our lecturers taught us business skills and supported us through the actual baking, modelling and cake decorating. Their experience was a great help and I’ve used every skill I was taught – right through from Level 2. “Running a business alongside my university work was a big commitment, but it was manageable and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.” |