Toi Ohomai student off on tasty Swiss scholarship

Toi Ohomai student Natalia Birgel embraces the chance to develop her skills abroad. Photo/Stephen Parker

From arts student to baker, one Toi Ohomai student has won the scholarship of a lifetime.

Baking and patisserie student Natalia Birgel will go to Switzerland for six weeks to gain high level work experience at a Swiss bakery and chocolatier.

She was looking forward to the opportunity and couldn't wait to get amongst it.

"The food in Switzerland is incredible and it'll be an amazing experience to work and develop my skills in a country that's known for its food."

Birgel and her classmates raised about $5000 from multiple bake sales which covers the flight, accommodation and train trips between locations.

While fundraising, the class knew only one of them would be able to take the scholarship and Birgel was lucky enough to be chosen.

"I'm just grateful for the opportunity and I'll take each day as it comes."

Her family is originally from Austria so she grew up around the same style of baking she'll encounter in Switzerland.

"I'm not entirely sure what to expect but I like to go with the flow."

She also said she would try to take some time out for herself.

"I've still got relatives in Austria so I'm definitely keen to catch a train over and visit them."

Originally an arts student, Birgel feels she has found the career for her.

"My two favourite subjects in high school were art and cooking. I've just always liked to create things with my hands.

"I found it hard to get a job in the arts industry so I thought I may as well take a shot at this and it seems to be working out."

Senior chef tutor at Toi Ohomai Renato Zanoli, who is Swiss himself, said Birgel was the perfect choice for the scholarship.

"I believe Switzerland is the best place for someone like Natalia to go and develop her skills. It'll be a pumping working environment but she has the right attitude and should fit in fine."

Birgel leaves on December 27 and returns on February 24.