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Local apprentice chefs selected for Sydney Showcase

Four commercial cookery apprentices from TAFE NSW Riverina Institute have been selected to take part in a chance of a lifetime learning experience in Sydney later this month.

The apprentices have been offered the opportunity to work under 2008 Australian Hotels Association (NSW) Chef of the Year, Daniel Fountain, at one of Sydney’s leading brasserie style dining  venues - the Watershed Hotel in Darling Harbour.

Riverina Institute students Misty-Anne Clarke and Ashley Foster from Albury Campus and Jasmine Patterson and Leiam Sumpter from Wagga Wagga Campus have all been selected to participate in this career development experience which culminates in a showcase dinner.

The quartet will spend four days at the Watershed Hotel, under the direct tutelage of Head Chef Daniel Fountain, they will learn to plan and cost a menu, for the Watershed’s Annual Apprentice Dinner. Once the menu is finalised, they must decide on plating arrangements, tabulate a guest list and send out invitations. Finally, the apprentices will prepare an array of canapés and meals and will be expected to provide guests with an overview of each dish.

Chef Fountain says the event provides an opportunity for apprentices to demonstrate their progression as a chef to their families, teachers and industry.

“This experience further enriches them with pride and confidence in their work and their ability,” says Chef Fountain. “The apprentices commit themselves to the responsibilities of this event and are taught valuable communication; organisation and time-management skills, all of which are required to succeed as a chef.”

Riverina Institute’s Head Teacher Commercial Cookery at Wagga Wagga Campus Sara  Morley says the placement provides invaluable experience and benefits to the students.

“As well as an opportunity to visit such a renowned hotel and work with one of Australia’s best chefs, the experience will expand apprentices’ culinary knowledge and develop their industry networks.“

“These sorts of arrangements expose our students to a totally different culinary setting and provide them with a broader picture of what goes on the industry outside of their own work environment,” added Ms Morley.

Just eight apprentices from across NSW regions were selected to take part in the placement.

“It just goes to show the calibre of our students in the Riverina – Murray region, that four of the eight places have been given to students from our region,” commented Ms Morley.

Riverina Institute Director Rosemary Campbell praised the efforts of Institute teachers in initiating these cutting edge opportunities saying teachers’ strong relationships with the leading chefs and employers have been the key to the many high level work placements for Riverina Institute’s students.

“The continuing professional exchange between our teachers and those working at the forefront of industry practice is invaluable. It keeps them current professionally and it  creates opportunities like these for our students,” said Ms Campbell.

The four day experience will culminate in a showcase dinner on the 28th July, to be attended by the NSW Minister for Education and Training The Hon Verity Firth MP, and the Who’s Who of the hospitality industry.  This is the sixth consecutive year that the Watershed has hosted this successful event.

Editors note: For more information about the Watershed Hotel visit: http://www.thewatershedhotel.com.au/index.php?pagename=Home