Pastry, Baking & Barista

"Completing the Pastry, Baking and Barista course at BIFE was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve loved baking since I was a child, always admiring my Granny’s bakes and asking to help in the kitchen whenever I visited her. That early passion stayed with me and has now grown into a professional career. The course at BIFE deepened my love for baking and pastry even more. I gained so much practical knowledge, creativity, and confidence. The environment at BIFE was incredibly supportive and welcoming, and I made so many amazing friends who share the same passion for baking as I do. We encouraged each other every step of the way, and those friendships have continued long after the course ended. Our tutor, Ewelina, was truly incredible – her guidance, patience, and enthusiasm made all the difference throughout the course and inspired me to believe in my abilities. One of the highlights of my time at BIFE was taking part in the Erasmus programme in Valladolid, Spain, where I spent three weeks in May working in a local bakery. It was an incredible opportunity to experience a new culture, language, learn different baking styles, and work alongside professional pastry chefs. I went with four amazing classmates who really made the trip unforgettable, and the experience helped me grow both personally and professionally. Since finishing at BIFE, I’ve been working as a cake decorator in my local bakery while also growing my own baking business, supplying cafés and coffee drive-thrus with freshly baked goods. The skills I learned at BIFE have helped me turn my love of baking into a career and given me the confidence and foundation to build my own business. My future goal is to open my own bakery with a small café at the front - a warm, welcoming space where people can enjoy handmade treats, good coffee, and a sense of community. " - Shauna Egan

"I found out about the pastry, baking and barista course in BIFE from a friend who said it sounded perfect for me, they weren’t wrong! I stepped into the college full of anticipation and nerves for the year ahead but that was put at ease instantly by the amazing staff from administration, teachers, care takers and Louise and team in the canteen. We soon got to work in the kitchen and flourished with the help of our outstanding teacher Ewelina. We learned the basics of the kitchen, how they run, health and safety, code of conduct and everything else needed to make us qualified patisserie chefs. We covered every pastry section from cakes, biscuits, breads, savoury pastry, compotes, ice cream, fillings like custards and crème patisseries, chocolate work and sugar work. We learned how to plate desserts elegantly and how to combine flavours. Alongside the course and qualification you receive from, the college also offers an Erasmus programme, with this you can travel for 3 weeks to 3months and work in your trade abroad. From this you can learn valuable skills not just in your work life but personal too. I was lucky enough to be awarded a place on the Erasmus programme and I travelled to Perpignon, France. I made connections with award winning patisserie chefs, lifelong friendships and memories I will never forget! I highly recommend this course for anyone who has a passion or love for baking, and don’t worry this course is also catered for beginners too!!!! " - Emma Fitzsimons

"The warm atmosphere that I found during the course coming either from my classmates, making my days very inspiring and enjoyable and my teachers motivating or supporting me to handle tough moments such as assignments, theory or practical exams. After the baking and pastry course was finished, I was selected among BIFE students to go to Malaga (Spain) to attend an Erasmus+ training programme in a Cake shop called Candy’s for three weeks which gave me the opportunity to learn loads of things and new recipes. A month later I was back in Dublin I applied for a job in one of the most prestigious and awarded patisserie producers in Dublin Le Pâtissier. I absolutely believe the knowledge gained in this BIFE course has brought a comprehensive set of valuable skills to manage the position in this work with the best manners I am able to do thanks to this baking course."  - Maria Moreno Centenero