Ep 48 - Science and Baking

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What we’re talking about:

In this episode I’m chatting with Gordon about his pathway from school through university to an apprenticeship and career in baking. Gordon did the International Baccalaureate (IB) at school and went into a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne, but couldn’t see himself working as a scientist. He deferred and got a casual job packing orders at a wholesale bakery and fell in love with the environment, and when an apprentice position came up he took it up and went to trade school at Federation University to complete a Certificate III in Baking. He tells us about his career so far and the range of options you have for work as a baker.

Studying the International Baccalaureate (IB)

At Gordon’s school he had the option to choose between completing VCE or the IB, and he gives a great explanation of the differences between the two, why students might choose to do the IB and why he specifically felt that the IB was right for him. He shares the subjects he did and how he chose them, and how it gave him a rounded education. He also describes how he took responsibility and turned things around towards the end of the year when he felt unprepared for and anxious about his exams.

Studying a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne

Gordon explains that he always assumed he would study at university after he finished school, and although he wasn’t sure what he wanted to pursue as a career, he chose a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne. He enjoyed the learning in the course and studied a range of subjects including Computer Science, Psychology and Geography, but as he was reaching the end of his course, he couldn’t see himself working in these areas.

Completing a Certificate III in Baking at Federation University

He deferred his uni course and took some time off to consider his options, and when he decided to find a new casual job, he ended up working in a wholesale bakery packing orders. He loved the environment of the bakery and the products they were making, and when an apprenticeship became available he was encouraged to try baking and he found a real passion for it. He completed a Certificate III in Baking at Federation University, and he gives a great insight into how this works.

Gordon’s career as a baker so far

Gordon has had a range of experiences in his career so far, and he explains what he’s learnt and how he has progressed through different stages. He shares what his day-to-day work as a baker looks like, and how that has changed over time. Gordon is also consulting for other bakeries and he shares how he started doing that and why, and he also gives examples of other jobs that bakers can do within the industry, showing the range of experiences that a baker can have throughout their career.