In May 2024, Imogen Fearon (Former BITA Apprentice Class of 2024) competed in the 2024 LA Judge Award competition at AEGIC in Sydney, Australia.
The LA Judge Award is open to qualified or near-qualified bakers under the age of 25. One candidate from each state and New Zealand is nominated by their baking association to compete in this once in a life time opportunity to be crowned the LA Judge Award Baking Apprentice of the Year.
Imogen is one of fourteen Queensland state winners and the fourth BITA apprentice to take out the prestigous title in more than 55 years of competition. After months of training and preparation with the BITA trainers, Imogen flew to Sydney to represent Queensland and showcase her practical baking skills, industry knowledge, and effective communication skills in the 2024 LA Judge competition.
The 2024 LA Judge Competition ran over three busy days and included four practical skill demonstrations (including production of a bread plaque) two oral presentations to the group, and several technical exams. Although it is a busy few days the competitors still find time to get to know each other, form friendships, and meet new industry contacts.
“The LA Judge experience was life changing! Filled with difficult challenges like theory and speeches. The three day competition moved very fast but was so rewarding. I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to meet some amazing people!” said Imogen.
Imogen shined at public speaking and presented excellently about her passion for baking, her inspirations, future aspirations, and her love of Almond Croissants. She showcased her practical skills with a colourful Paris 2024 themed bread plaque and demonstrated strong technical knowledge in the kitchen with a selection of beautifully formed and artisticly scored breads. Imogen sat her 2024 LA Judge Competition exams with confidence and fininshed off the competition with an interesting and informative presentation about trends in the baking industry.
On behalf of Imogen and the team here at BITA we would like to thank the AEGIC for facilitating this prestigeous competition, the judges for giving up their time to mentor and judge, the event sponsors for their ongoing support and the fellow competitors. It’s competitions like these that help in recognising our industry and reward our hard working apprentices.
If you are interested in being nominated for future LA Judge award competitions, please contact the National Baking Industry Association or talk to your trainer.