23 November 2021

A Griffith woman who baked her first four-tier wedding cake at just 14 years of age has credited TAFE NSW with helping her take her career to a new level.

Pastry chef and baker Bianca Piromalli, 19, has this week completed her apprenticeship after four years under the guidance of TAFE NSW Master Patissier Chocolatier Confectioner Herve Boutin.

Ms Piromalli, who is locally renowned for her intricate and ornate wedding cakes, said her passion for baking was forged at a young age in the family kitchen with her nonna.

By age 11, her destiny was set when she started baking and selling cupcakes as part of her business Bianca’s Cakery, and she later secured an apprenticeship at the iconic main street bakery, Bertoldo’s Bakery.

Bianca’s Cakery creations are now booked out months in advance and are a regular feature at wedding receptions across the region.

“I’ve always loved cooking, especially when you can be creative and use your imagination,” Ms Piromalli said.

“To be able to learn under (TAFE NSW teacher) Herve is such an honour. He has so much knowledge and experience and, has taught me a lot about technique and theory.”

French-born Mr Boutin, an internationally renowned patissier, undertook one-on-one tuition with Ms Piromalli at Bertoldo’s every six weeks, and conducted regular group masterclasses with local apprentices.

“I love to share my experience with the students, especially ones as talented and passionate as Bianca,” Mr Boutin said.

“To be able to work one-on-one with apprentices in their actual workspace helps reinforce the practical skills that will guide them for the rest of their careers.”

The number of bakers nationwide grew by 17 per cent over the past five years, according to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, and growth prospects remain strong for the profession.

Ms Piromalli said she hoped to travel in the coming years and continue her learning journey with the best in the industry.

If you’d like to enroll in a TAFE NSW Griffith course, call 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, (02) 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428