We hear all about how hard work, dedication, and training led to this incredible success
Local superstar Will Nickl has recently secured his status as a rising baking superstar, smashing it with this massive national win. With a family history full of pastry legends, Will’s recent win at the 2024 Pastry Cook Excellence in Baking Awards makes him the latest champ in the Nickl family and the Gumnut Patisserie team.
And to add even more amazingness to the mix, Will’s still in school. Yep, he’s currently balancing his studies at Bowral High School with his passion for baking and smashing it in both lanes!
We recently swung by the school to catch up with Will, his principal Christine Roberts, and his proud parents Vicki and Tracy. They shared with us all the excitement about how the competition unfolded and why their hearts are bursting with patisserie pride.
Will’s Journey
Will’s journey started with a school-based apprenticeship, shaping his skills and dedication.
“I kicked off my apprenticeship in year 10, doing my Cert 3 in pastry and patisserie. I go to school and then spend one day a week ‘on the tools’ at work,” Will explains.
And we’re completely amazed at how Will juggles school and work.
“2-3 times a week, I start work at 4 AM, finish around 8:30 AM, and head straight to school. On weekends, I start at 3 AM, finish at 10 AM, and then have the rest of the day to train and practice.”
Woah! The epic schedule totally shows Will’s dedication. His hard work most definitely paid off at the 2024 Pastry Cook Excellence in Baking Awards. This trans-Tasman competition has apprentices from all over Australia and New Zealand competing for the top spot and Will came away tops.
“We had to produce nine products from scratch in six and a half hours. It was a tight time frame, but lots of hard work and good training got me over the line,” Will told us.
The Competition
Will’s participation in the competition is a Nickl family tradition.
“My older brother Josh won the same competition seven years ago, and my dad won it around 30 years ago too. Gotta follow the family’s footsteps,” Will laughs.
And the competition was no piece of cake!
“We had to do two savoury products, one of which had to be a gourmet pie. I made a vegetarian mushroom pie and a Lamb and Rosemary pie with sweet potato mash and a lamb cutlet sticking out of the top.” OMG DROOLING!
His desserts were seriously impressive too, with a lineup that included a fresh fruit flan, a white chocolate gateau with strawberries, a zesty lime tart, and a strawberry, elderflower, and pistachio creation. He also whipped up banoffee eclairs and a mille-feuille. Talk about talent.
Will confesses he was nervous before the comp, but all that training [over 1000 hours!] really paid off.
“Once the competition started, I got into a rhythm. I just focused on myself and my work, and it showed at the end. I firmly believe training hard can make you win easier.”
Proud Principal
Will’s principal, Christine, couldn’t be prouder of his achievements.
“Success is not about letting things happen but actually going out and making them happen. Will is an incredible example of this. He gets up early, he puts the effort in, he’s driven, he’s motivated and he’s passionate.”
Christine also talked about Will’s role as a leader among his peers.
“He leads the school as Vice Captain, and we’re proud of what he has achieved. You can have the skill and effort, but you’ve also got to perform under that pressure, and Will makes it look easy.”
Go, Will!
Proud Parents
Will’s parents, Tracy and Vicki were beaming when we spoke to them.
“We’re thrilled about his win, but more than that, we’re proud of the effort and dedication he’s shown,” says Vicki.
“We believe in our apprentices being proud of their work no matter the outcome. Win, lose or draw, what matters is their pride in what they’ve done, and we’re proud of them for that.”
“Will was actually in France for a school exchange during some of the lead-up,” Tracy explains. “But when he got back, it was all systems go! He really put in the hours, training hard.”
Looking ahead, Will’s gearing up for one more competition before his HSC. A regional competition that will allow him to qualify for a national competition next year and we reckon he’ll smash it!
“We can’t wait to see all the amazing things he’ll accomplish.” adds Tracy, “the world’s his oyster, and we’re confident he’s destined for great things.”
So are we!
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