WE all love cakes, sweets and biscuits - but for Jamie Bessant, one of Wales's up-and-coming young chefs, they are his career. Six years ago, Jamie, from Saundersfoot, was washing up dishes in a local restaurant when he realised he wanted to become a chef - he is now part of the award-winning Welsh Culinary Team and one of the finest patisserie chefs in his region. But Jamie's career would not have got off the ground without Neath and Port Talbot College, which has the only remaining bakery course in Wales. "I was in my first year at sixth form when the owner of the restaurant I'd been washing up at for one year offered me an apprenticeship to become one of its chefs," said Jamie, who is 22. "I'd always been fascinated with cooking, so I jumped at the chance. After I completed my 14-month apprenticeship, it became obvious to me that I wanted to specialise in confectionery and pastries. Due to the intricate nature of the work, I knew I'd need extra qualifications before I could take that next step. "Neath and Port Talbot College offer the only bakery course in Wales, so I immediately moved up from Tenby to start studying for a confectionery and pastry NVQ Level 3. "The college has its own restaurant, bakery and shop, so the course was very hands-on and covered everything from bread and biscuit making, to health and safety, and sugar and chocolate work. "During my second year on the course, I was invited to join the Welsh Culinary Team and the college was very supportive. The staff even lent me equipment to take with me and helped me prepare for the competitions. "As soon as I'd completed the course, I got the job of chef de partie pastry at St. Bride's Hotel in Saundersfoot, creating all of its home-made bread, biscuits, cakes, gateaux and other desserts. "Bakery is a superb career with so many opportunities, so it's a shame that this course is the only one left in Wales. My job has taken me all over the world - I've taken part in competitions in Chicago, Luxembourg, London, Glasgow and here in Wales. "I think it's important that young people learn a bit more about the great career prospects bakery can offer and I'm currently talking to Careers Wales about visiting schools to do live cooking demonstrations and to get students involved in the world of baking." Michelle David, careers adviser at Careers Wales, the all-age careers information, advice and guidance service, said: "We're delighted that Jamie is prepared to share his experiences with other young people in Wales - developing links with people in the industry is an important part of a student's development. "Many young people might think that baking is just pies and pasties, but there are so many other fields such as cake design and decoration, catering and specialist bread-making, to get involved in. "Bakery is a great career for those with a bit of imagination and a creative flair. Neath and Port Talbot College offers NVQs in all areas of bakery and still has vacancies for the full-time programme available for September. It also offers part-time courses for four hours a week and work-based training schemes.
