TAFE Gippsland has claimed a clean sweep of the major apprentice chef awards at this year’s AUS TAFE State Finals, held at William Angliss Institute yesterday.
Pitted against top talent from across Victoria’s TAFE and private training providers, our students rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. The result? A golden trifecta that has put TAFE Gippsland’s hospitality program firmly in the spotlight.
The results:
- Best 1st Year Apprentice – Jessica Fraser-Smith (Walhalla Lodge)
- Best 2nd Year Apprentice – Jennifer Creati (Neilsons Kitchen, Traralgon)
- Best 3rd Year Apprentice & Overall Highest Point Scorer – Jesse Payne (The Rusty Gurnard Welshpool)
Culinary trainer Kellie Smith celebrates with apprentice chefs Jessica Fraser-Smith, Jennifer Creati and Jesse Payne.
All three students will now go on to represent Victoria at the AUS TAFE National Finals in Sydney later this year — a huge honour and opportunity to showcase their skills on the national stage.
Adding even more local pride to the mix, TAFE Gippsland culinary trainer Kellie Smith has been named Victorian Team Captain and will lead the state team at the Sydney International Convention Centre in September.
More medals, more talent
The success didn’t stop with the top three. Several other TAFE Gippsland students also walked away with medals across different categories:
- Liam Willis (1st Year Apprentice) – Country Club Warragul
- Kara Oxley (2nd Year Apprentice) – South Gippsland Hospital
- Christina Brown (3rd Year Apprentice) – South Gippsland Hospital
- Julie Lanham – Non-apprentice student
- Kristina Palacol – Non-apprentice student
- Jo Bennett – Non-apprentice student
Winners are grinners! Nine TAFE Gippsland apprentice and non-apprentice chefs competed at the AUS TAFE State Finals.
More than just medals
These results reflect the dedication of our students, the support of local employers and the passion of our trainers, many of whom bring years of industry experience to the kitchen.
“This is a huge moment for TAFE Gippsland and for Gippsland hospitality as a whole,” said trainer and mentor Kellie Smith.
“After months of training and mentoring from me, to see our students perform so strongly on the state stage is proof of the skills and potential we have in our region.”
With Nationals on the horizon, we’ll be cheering on our students every step of the way. Congratulations again to all involved – you’ve done TAFE Gippsland proud.
Interested in launching your own hospitality career?
Explore our Hospitality and Commercial Cookery courses here.