Gwendraeth Valley school-made brownies launching at Royal Welsh Show

Bara Brith Brownies, made by Carmarthenshire high schoolers as part of a competition, is launching at the Royal Welsh Show.

Earlier this year, a group of year nine students from Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth came fourth in the Tasty Careers Challenge, an initiative between Careers Wales, Castell Howell Foods, The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (Wales), and Seren Restaurants, which aims to highlight the various careers in the food sector.

The competition across high schools in Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea saw the group of 13 and 14-year-olds develop their entry, Bara Brith Brownies.

Castell Howell Foods was so impressed with their creation, it is launching the Wales-inspired brownies at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday, 19 July at a Food Skills Cymru sponsored event.

The brownies will be included in Castell Howell Foods’ sales catalogue and will be available for all of its catering customers to buy.

Aled Evans, a business engagement adviser from Careers Wales who helped coordinate the challenge, said: “This is a fantastic example of how Careers Wales’ business engagement can help broaden aspirations and open pupils’ eyes to the vast opportunities of the world of work.

“Bara Brith Brownies started as part of a regional high school competition, and now has the chance of being available from one of the UK’s leading independent food wholesalers.

“It just goes to show the impact that can be had when employers and schools work together to help nurture valuable business skills and widen the career horizons of young people.

“Having your product being launched at such a prolific Welsh event is a dream for many aspiring culinary artists, so this isn’t something these students will forget in a hurry.”

James Hicks, strategic development manager at The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (Wales), said: “The Tasty Challenge is all about collaboration and showcasing fresh talent.

“The success of Bara Brith Brownies helps demonstrate how easily accessible a career in the food sector can be. There are a range of career opportunities available, with few requiring academic qualifications upon entry, and in an exciting, fast-paced industry.”

Careers Wales’ Education Business Partnership provides opportunities for schools and employers to help pupils make links between their lessons and the world of work. It allows employers to provide real world insight and inspiration to potential future employees and helps to inform, inspire, and motivate young people about their career opportunities.

Kath Jones, sales director at Castell Howell Foods, said: “As soon as we tasted the brownies and understood the concept, we felt that this idea was too good not to share with our customers.

“We approached one of our key, baked products suppliers, Capital Cuisine, who is based in Bedwas, to help us bring the concept to a reality. We look forward to developing the sales and marketing materials with the school and promote the success of this collaborative initiative.”

For more information about how Careers Wales can support your business or school, visit the Careers Wales website or contact employerengagement@careerswales.gov.wales