One key lesson about choosing your future career is that you’re allowed to change your mind! Gemma Collick originally intended to pursue a career in art. However, after taking a Foundation course in art with a plan to go on to a degree, Gemma changed course and looked at bakery as an option.

Gemma explains: “Pastry was always something that I’d thought about. Leicester College always had a good reputation so I came here on a taster afternoon. The lecturers were knowledgeable, with good facilities and a range of products on the course.”

Gemma is taking the Level 3 Pastry course at Leicester College. She continues: “I’ve really enjoyed the two years at the College, learnt a lot of stuff, with highlights including making it through to the final of the 2023 Student Pastry Chef of the Year competition and work experience at the Le Manoir in Oxfordshire.

“I currently have a part-time job as baker at Fika, a brunch café in in Oakham.

“I have a good relationship with the lecturers and other students. It’s such a community, very supportive and they get to know you on a personal level.

“I’m really enjoying the course, learning about different processes of baking and plan to open my own bakery one day,” said Gemma.