The Wodonga TAFE Apprentice of the Year 2017 represented Victoria at the prestigious LA Judge Awards in Sydney last week.

Since 1967 the LA Judge Award for Baking Apprentice of the Year has been known as the most prestigious annual baking prize in Australasia. Over three days apprentices from Australia and New Zealand vied for the top prize, which went to a Queenslander.

Having completed her apprenticeship at Beechworth Bakery and Rutherglen Bakery, Tegan said she looked forward to running her own cake business.

“I hope to supply markets with whole cakes, decorated cakes and cupcakes,” she said.

Tegan, who completed Certificate III in Retail Baking (Combined) with Wodonga TAFE in 2017, urged others to follow their dreams.

“If you have a passion in something, give it a go, you shouldn’t miss out on an opportunity, and TAFE will help you get there,” she said.

“I have really enjoyed my four years as a baker; it’s tough, but your qualification is nationally recognised and when you’re finished your studies, your qualification can take you anywhere.”

Wodonga TAFE Teacher – Bakery and Food Processing Bruce Simpson said Tegan was a standout student.

“Tegan was definitely an A-grade student,” he said.

What's your favourite autumn dish?

Soup. Especially pumpkin soup.

What's your favourite season?

Autumn; it’s not too hot or too cold.

What are the staples in your pantry now?

Butter, sugar and flour. A baker’s staples.

What is your earliest cooking memory?

My sister and I cooked spaghetti a lot together at home. We were always throwing in something different.

Which six people would you invite to dinner?

Ed Sheeran, Matt King (my husband), Curtis Stone, Jamie Oliver, Donna Hay and Adriano Zumbo.

What is your favourite foodie ritual?

Breakfast with Matt on a day off. Hub 62 at Chiltern is a favourite.

What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.

Riverdale. I don’t actually watch a lot of cooking shows; people are always surprised to know that. I do like Cake Boss but I don’t watch many others.

What did you have for dinner last night?

Homemade sweet potato and pumpkin soup and I made a banana cake for dessert.

What are you drinking?

Tea

Details:

Tegan King,

Instagram: @tegan_kking