Breadwinner proves herself

Rangeway’s Ieisha Makkulawu is rising to the top of her trade just as quickly as the bread she bakes.

An apprentice at Coles for just four months, Ieisha, 20, took out gold at the WA section of the World Skills Australia awards at Crown Perth last month.

The industry newcomer was one of a few female finalists and the only one to take home a medal from the retail baking category.

Finalists baked a range of breads and artisan treats and were judged on their ability to produce and process dough, prove and bake products, appearance and, naturally, taste.

Ieisha will now represent WA in the World Skills Australia national awards in Perth next August.

“I am so thrilled to have won this accolade in such a competitive industry, which is reflective of the support I have received from my team at Coles,” she said.

“I am looking forward to seeing what I can achieve at the nationals.”

Coles State general manager Pat Zanetti said the company worked closely with TAFE outlets to enable “team members to achieve their qualifications while working in a real-world environment”.

“Being able to apply their skill sets in the fast-paced environment allows them to go above and beyond and become trade-qualified,” he said.