Two mature students have set up their own business after completing a part-time patisserie and confectionery course.
Jackie Moss and Vicky Gill enrolled onto the certificate in general patisserie and confectionery level 2 course at West Cheshire College as they both had an interest in baking and wanted to learn more.
The pair have since become firm friends and have started their own business, The Gift Shop in Willaston.
Jackie, from Willaston, said: “Before starting the course I was a housewife and Vicky was working in administration. We both did baking as a hobby but always wanted to learn more and develop our skills.”
“I liked the idea of the course because it was part-time so I could fit it around my other commitments. It really appealed to me that it was an adult course and you get a qualification from it."
“When we finished the course, we wanted to start up our own business. At first we were looking to start up a coffee shop but when we found The Gift Shop we loved it."
“We sell gifts for all the family, home accessories and cards and we want to expand to sell cakes in the near future – putting our skills learned from the college course to the test."
“Our tutor has visited the shop and has given us advice on what cakes we can introduce to the shop, told us the best place to display them and which cakes have the best shelf life.”
Tutor Tim Bowyer, from West Cheshire College, said: “Both Jackie and Vicky were a pleasure to teach. They were both so enthusiastic about the course and willing to learn."
“I am delighted that they have joined forces to open their own business. I have visited the shop which is fantastic and have encouraged them to expand and maximise on their fantastic baking skills to sell cakes in the shop."
“I wish them the best for the future and can’t wait to hear about their success stories in the future.”
For more information about courses at West Cheshire College, call 01244 656555 or visit www.west-cheshire.ac.uk .
