Nine dedicated apprentices showcased their talent at the JuniorSkills competition for Carinthian bakers. With creativity, precision, and craftsmanship, the bread and pastry professionals of tomorrow competed for the win and impressed the expert jury with top performances.

Golden-brown loaves, artfully crafted braided loaves, crusty rolls, and delicate Danish pastries: On June 25, 2026, the baking trade at the Warmbad-Villach vocational school was all about talented young bakers. Five women and four men took on the challenging tasks at the Carinthian Bakers' JuniorSkills competition, demonstrating how much they had already learned in their apprenticeships. The apprentices had to compete in various disciplines: In addition to producing bread, rolls, pretzels, and Danish pastries, they also had to expertly braid and bake braided loaves. The jury's evaluation considered not only taste and appearance, but also working methods, technical execution, and product presentation.

Distinguished guests congratulated the beaming winners: Guild Master Martin Vallant, City Councillor Christian Pober, Provincial Councillor Beate Prettner, Emeli Katharina Schwarz, Denise-Desiree Riedl, Marie Wischer, Deputy Governor Martin Gruber, and Peter Wallfisch, Director of the Warmbad-Villach Vocational School. © Martha Gillner
Distinguished guests congratulated the beaming winners: Guild Master Martin Vallant, City Councillor Christian Pober, Provincial Councillor Beate Prettner, Emeli Katharina Schwarz, Denise-Desiree Riedl, Marie Wischer, Deputy Governor Martin Gruber, and Peter Wallfisch, Director of the Warmbad-Villach Vocational School. © Martha Gillner

Winner Denise-Desiree Riedl

In a close race, Denise-Desiree Riedl from the Wienerroither bakery emerged victorious. Second place went to Marie Wischer from the Knusperstube apprenticeship , followed by Emeli Katharina Schwarz from the Haimburger bakery.

But it wasn't just the top three winners; all participants impressed the jury and guests of honor. "All the apprentices delivered a high level of performance," emphasized Martin Vallant , guild master of the Carinthian bakers. "I am impressed by what these skilled workers of the future have accomplished. Together, they produced more than 1,500 baked goods in a very short time and impressively demonstrated the skill, creativity, precision, and passion inherent in our profession. Competitions like this highlight the dedication of our apprentices and how promising the future of the baking trade is."

Praise from politicians

For Deputy Governor Martin Gruber, the apprentices are important ambassadors for a traditional craft of great significance to Carinthia: “The baking trade is deeply rooted in the regions and also contributes to the culinary identity of our state. The JuniorSkills competition demonstrates the skill, creativity, and dedication with which the next generation practices this craft. These young talents who have chosen this career path not only ensure valuable expertise but also strengthen our businesses, regional value creation, and our economic base.” He warmly congratulated the winner and all participants: “These achievements are the result of great commitment, professional competence, and genuine enthusiasm for the profession.”

A statement against food waste

The pastries produced in the competition were donated to the Together association and the Haus Südufer/pro mente Klagenfurt . "Healthy ingredients are important to us, but also a sustainable approach in the fight against food waste," concluded guild master Vallant.