TasTAFE
Elke said.
TasTAFE Cookery Trainer and Assessor, and Tasmanian Director of the Australian Culinary Foundation Chef Michael Norton, who judged the competition alongside Elke Travers, said events such as the Golden Chef’s Hat Award provided invaluable real-world learning experiences for apprentice chefs. “This competition enhances the skills development of our apprentice chefs, introduces them to the pressures of working in a professional kitchen under the watchful eye of executive chefs, and they benefit from our collaboration with industry; ensuring our training is relevant and they are work- ready when they graduate,” Michael said.
WINNER OF THE NESTLÉ PROFESSIONAL TASMANIAN REGIONAL COOK-OFF COMPETITION SOPHIE BATTERHAM WILL REPRESENT TASMANIA AT THE NATIONAL FINALS IN MELBOURNE IN SEPTEMBER.
championing local, seasonal ingredients and believes chefs have an important role to play in showcasing the quality of Tasmania’s produce. “Farmers have done their job and it’s up to us to use the best local and seasonal produce we can find. This focus on fresh produce is driving the cooking industry and it’s important to me personally.” The Tasmanian regional cook-off forms part of a broader series of heats held across Australia and New Zealand, providing more than 300 apprentice chefs with opportunities to test their skills, gain industry experience and accelerate their professional development. Nestlé Professional Executive Chef Elke Travers said she was pleased to see the competition return to Tasmania and was encouraged by the quality of talent on display. “At a time when many young chefs are looking for more opportunities to develop their skills and progress, competitions like this play an important role in supporting the next generation of talent,”
APPRENTICE CHEF KUSHAL RAJ KARTEL SHARMA (RIGHT) IS PRESENTED WITH THE BEST SIGNATURE DISH OF THE DAY AWARD BY TASTAFE COOKERY TRAINER AND ASSESSOR, CHEF MICHAEL NORTON.
“Without access to the spaces and equipment that we are afforded, apprentices and former students wouldn’t have access to these valuable and engaging experiences. “A massive thanks to everyone at Paterson Street Campus for being so accommodating and we wish Sophie Batterham the best of luck at the national finals later next month in Melbourne.” Sophie’s success highlights the strength of Tasmania’s emerging culinary talent and the role industry partnerships and vocational training play in preparing the next generation of chefs for rewarding careers in hospitality.
49 Tasmanian Hospitality Review August/September Edition
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator