Cheeses produced by Level 5 apprentice dairy technologists on our degree level Eden programme won gold and silver awards at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards, proving they are capable of manufacturing cheeses which are among the best in the world!

Cheddar cheeses made by the apprentices took the two top awards in the Student Cheesemakers class at the global competition, which this year attracted over 4000 entries and is part of the world’s biggest and most prestigious cheese festival.

All classes are highly competitive and winning entries must be outstanding in flavour, texture and taste, so we were thrilled when the cheeses, made by apprentice dairy technologists  David Lawley (Muller Telford), Stephanie Nish (Arla Lockerbie), Abigail Matthews (Saputo Davidstow) and Jodie Wild (Arla Settle) were awarded first and second places. The cheeses were made in our industry standard food processing halls during training sessions with our experienced staff.

Processing Halls Manager Michael Bennett said: “I was delighted with our success and very proud of the food centre team who worked tirelessly with the Eden apprentices to produce cheeses worthy of awards at the world’s most prestigious cheese show.”

The event also provided an invaluable opportunity for student development and experience, as all 11 apprentices in the current Eden cohort and 13 Level 3 Diploma in Food Technology and Management students acted as stewards for top judges, networked with senior industry professionals and tasted seriously good cheese!

Our bakery and patisserie and business and events management students also assisted at the show, with Level 3 bakery students Ellie Thomas, Lucy Birch and Dan Ayliffe earning praise for their support of the home economist and popular celebrity chef demonstrations over two days.

Recognition must go to Food Manufacturing Lecturer Debbie Heritage-Brill and Technician Sue Moors, who delivered top class practical cheese making training to the apprentices, and to Technologist Jenny Newall, who joined Debbie and Sue in selecting the cheeses for judging.

Our Eden programme is a unique higher level education initiative, driven and supported by leading dairy companies which recognise the importance of investing in talented employees.

Reaseheath Food Centre is BRCGS AA accredited and offers on-line and in-house training courses in partnership with key awarding bodies. We also have dedicated trial facilities and experienced technologists who can support all sizes of businesses with new product development.

See how we can help your businesses by visiting the Reaseheath Business Hub website and learn about our facilities by watching our Food Centre video.