In the lead up to World Teachers’ Day coming up on 27 October, we’re shining a light on some of our amazing teachers at TAFE Gippsland. Starting with culinary teacher Kellie Smith…
“I absolutely love my job and teaching is so rewarding. To see the journey and progression of apprentice chefs and cookery students throughout their career over three years of trade school, to inspire and nurture their passion and be told that I have changed their lives for the better is the best reward any teacher can get. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
Kellie with fellow judges (including George Calombaris) at the 2023 Melbourne's Finest Chef competition.
After 27 years of life as a TAFE Gippsland culinary teacher, Kellie Smith can’t image being anything but. Ironically, becoming a chef was not her first career option.
“I wanted to be a vet and planned to go to university for seven years after year 12, but while I was waiting to start, I was working part time in a fine dining restaurant as a kitchen hand,” Kellie recalled.
“I loved the fast-paced team environment and adrenaline rush you get through service, so when they asked me to be an apprentice there, I accepted!”
So, Kellie bid farewell to the prospect of studying veterinary science and began her life as an apprentice chef, working at various restaurants while attending Geelong’s Gordon Institute of TAFE. Her confidence fuelled by a string of cookery competition successes – Apprentice of the Year throughout her three years of Trade school, winning various Victorian Cookery competitions followed closely by a national victory – Kellie’s career was pursuing a deliciously positive path. So much so, she was invited to join the Australian National Culinary team and as such, became part of the Australian Culinary Federation.
Recently, Kellie was selected to be on the panel of judges at Melbourne’s Finest Chefs competition, which involved teams of four Certificate III in Cookery students from a range of Victorian RTOs and private providers. The challenge was to cook three courses live for four, using a mystery box of produce.
“I have been judging at cookery competitions for the last 20 years and now accredited as a national culinary judge, so I get chosen to be head judge at various cookery competitions throughout Australia,” Kellie explained.
“It is vital to be industry current and to be up to date on the current trends, styles and standards in the hospitality industry. Being part of Australian Culinary Federation ensures my students know what’s happening in their industry which gives them all links, networks and inspiration which supports passion and drive to be the best that they can.”
With almost three decades of seeing students succeed and apprentices come and go, Kellie’s career highlight remains the same.
“Seeing outcomes of my students!” Kellie said.
“To go out to dinner and the chef come out to thank me for inspiring them throughout their apprenticeship and them stating they want to send their apprentices to me at TAFE Gippsland to get supported and inspired like they were when they went to trade school is the best feeling.”
We’ll be sharing the love for all our teachers on World Teachers’ Day next Friday, so stay tuned!