TAFE Gippsland cookery students Carmelle Larson, Christina Brown, Kelly Packham, Zara McKenzie and Shane Corrie won big at the AUS-TAFE Culinary Trophy State Final last week.
Teachers Jacki Driscoll (left) and Paul Clerks (far right) with winning students Zara McKenzie, Carmelle Larson, Christina Brown, Kelly Packham and Shane Corrie.
Up to 50 apprentice chefs enrolled in Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Victorian TAFEs and private Registered Training Providers were invited to compete for the trophy.
Each competitor was tasked with preparing, cooking and presenting set dishes, operating within strict competition guidelines. Medals are awarded based on overall score and an outright winner determined by the highest score out of 100.
The competing apprentices had all committed time to practice outside of their normal working and studying hours, and spent several hours with their TAFE Gippsland culinary trainers and mentors Kellie Smith and Jacki Driscoll to assist in perfecting the dishes.
While medals were awarded to individual apprentices, the event was an exercise in teamwork.
“Competition is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone,” TAFE Gippsland Hospitality, Tourism and Security program manager Paul Clerks said.
“It’s the chance to network with other industry peers, talk to industry coaches and mentors, and simply push yourself beyond anything you may have thought you were capable of doing.
“It is truly a growing experience.”
Overall results for TAFE Gippsland:
Carmelle Larson – First Year Apprentice - Gold medal – Commercial Hotel Warragul
Christina Brown – First Year Apprentice - Silver medal – South Gippsland Hospital
Kelly Packham – Third Year Apprentice - Bronze medal – South Gippsland Hospital
Zara McKenzie – Third Year Apprentice - Bronze medal – Leongatha RSL
Shane Corrie – Second Year apprentice - Bronze Medal – Yarram Country Club