Confidence is key for Alicia’s career

Enrolling to study Certificate II in Baking (FBP20221), Alicia attended classes at TAFE Queensland's Loganlea campus, where her passion for baking and patisserie thrived.

"I always had an interest in baking from watching the Food Network with my mum," said Alicia

"Spending a day each week with TAFE at School to learn how to bake seemed like a good way to get the QCE points, and I could also take the food I'd made home to share with my family!" she explained.

TAFE at School allows high school students to gain nationally-recognised qualifications across various industries, including sport, hospitality, health, community services, engineering and agriculture, with TAFE Queensland before they finish school.

The course taught Alicia the practical skills she needed to work as a pastry chef assistant in a retail bakery or pursue an apprenticeship.

Over the year she studied, Alicia learnt to produce basic bread, cakes and pastry products using industry-standard equipment under the guidance of teachers who supported her success.

"The program was flexible, and the teachers were so supportive. They arranged catch-up sessions if I missed anything, and they helped me manage the coursework with my school exams," she continued.

"The course flowed nicely, with practical work first, and then immediately after we'd do the theory, so we learnt everything by using our new skills straight away."

After finishing year 12 and TAFE at School, Alicia enrolled to study hotel management at university but quickly realised that it didn't cater to her preferred practical learning style.

As part of her university studies, Alicia sought out a traineeship with the Intercontinental Hotel, but instead, she learned they were seeking an apprentice, which sparked her interest.

"After seeing the fantastic hotel kitchens and meeting the Executive Head Chef, Hamish, I realised I would learn much more by working full-time and completing an apprenticeship."

"University was too theoretical for me, and TAFE at School taught me I'm a practical learner. So, I left university to become a Pastry Chef and applied to study Certificate III in Cake and Pastry (FBP30321) full-time - it was the best decision I could have ever made," she explained.

"I get to work and study full time, which means I can earn as I learn, and I'm not incurring debt – something I found impossible to do when studying at university."

Still only 19 years old, Alicia was initially daunted by the thought of leaving university for an apprenticeship. But, after a conversation with her TAFE at School teacher, she knew she was making the right choice.

"Being young, I just didn't know if I was making the right decision, and I needed someone from the industry to guide me because I didn't know what to do, and I was doubting myself."

"But I was assured I was on the right path and felt relieved. Just having someone with a professional background to help me understand and validate my decision was so good for my piece of mind," explained Alicia.

Also helping Alicia is Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s, a Queensland Government initiative that sees the costs of her training with TAFE Queensland covered by the Queensland Government.

Alicia's overall career goal is to one day become a chef. But now, finishing her apprenticeship and getting more confident in the kitchen is her immediate objective.

"Finishing my apprenticeship is number one, and I'm becoming more confident in my profession. Eventually, I'll be a chef, and thanks to the solid foundation I have from TAFE Queensland, I know I'll become one."

"I want to work and travel in some of the finest hotels and cruise ships around the world, and I love being part of the Intercontinental team and being pushed every day to make five-star creations."

"My pastry team and I work hard together, and I'm meeting people from the industry who share my passion. I'm learning daily and encouraged to input and influence the menus. My Executive Head Chef says, 'As long as it looks five-star on the plate, I want to see it!' and that's what I'm striving for," concluded Alicia.