STORY: Bakery students pay AB Mauri a visit

AB Mauri recently welcomed more than 30 Level 6 BSc Bakery and Confectionery Technology students to its Centre of Excellence for a behind-the-scenes visit.

The students from University College Birmingham (UCB) had the opportunity to learn first-hand what happens at the centre and benefit from listening to a number of industry experts.

Welcomed by Jim Hawkridge, NPD director of AB MAURI UK and Ireland, the students enjoyed an in-depth bread theory session, before continuing their day in the test bakery – with practical bread and confectionery sessions – along with a site tour.

Then Jason Vaghela, HR director of AB MAURI UK and Ireland, gave an employer’s insight of what to expect when they start their career, alongside tips on which personal attributes to focus on.

Post lunch, the students learned the importance and role of certain ingredients via a game of Dynamic, involving tasting and evaluating bakery products.

The day concluded with a Q&A session – an R&D team, made up of Hannah Parry and Laura Underwood (both UCB graduates), plus Hannah Conneely (National Bakery School graduate), talked about the importance of their role and how students can aim for that type of job.

“We were delighted to welcome such a vibrant and competent group of students to our Centre of Excellence," comments Andrew Pollard, managing director of AB MAURI UK and Ireland.

"Whether it’s working for, in conjunction with, or even in other ways related to AB MAURI, I have no doubt that we’re looking at key future baking industry stakeholders here. We wish them all the very best for the future.”