Two wins at the Victorian Baking Show

Kangan Institute has maintained its title as the state’s top provider of baking training, with the TAFE awarded the Victorian Perpetual Training Trophy at the 2023 Victorian Baking Show for a second year in a row.

Hosted by the Baking Association of Australia, the Victorian Baking Show also saw baking student Siba Badeen win third place in fruit tartlets, with a total of four Kangan Institute students participating in the competition.

Kangan Institute Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain said both wins reflected the high quality of training at the TAFE.

“Achieving the Victorian Perpetual Training Trophy twice in a row at the Victorian Baking Show is a reflection of the commitment and expertise of our educators who put students at the centre of everything we do,” said Ms Curtain.

“I’d like to especially congratulate the talented Siba for her award win. We’re incredibly proud of all our students who have participated in the competition and have embraced the opportunity to test their skills against other student and industry competitors. 

A Syrian migrant who moved to Australia in 2018, Siba enrolled in the Certificate III in Baking (FBP30521) after completing Certificates I, II and III in Spoken and Written English (10727NAT/ 10728NAT/ 10729NAT).

“I’m so happy to win the award because it was my first time taking part in a competition,” Siba said.

“I baked a vanilla tart with different fruits. It was something I learnt to make in class.”

(Siba Badeen trains at Broadmeadows campus.)

Learning how to speak English and a supportive learning environment provided the mother-of-one with the foundation for success.

“It is so important to learn English. I am now able to have conversations with everyone and I feel confident when I speak,” Siba said.

“In the baking course, my teacher knows how to do everything and teaches us well. The class feels like family.” 

The 35-year-old is considering starting her own business after completing her certificate in baking.

“I started the baking course because I love making sweets, bread and cakes. I’m happy when I work with dough,” Siba said. 

“I’ll take it step by step and maybe start a small business in the future.”

Kangan Institute’s Baking and English courses are delivered at its Broadmeadows campus. The 2023 Victorian Baking Show was held in Bendigo last month.