Connor cooks up a QTIC win

The QTIC Salute to Excellence Awards recognises exceptional secondary students, employers, teachers and trainers for their contribution to skill development in the state’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Connor’s win at just 17 years old reflects his passion for commercial cookery, an industry he’s been training for with TAFE Queensland, studying the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821).

“The hospitality coordinator at my school told me about the school-based apprenticeship and helped me get into my current job. It’s always been a dream of mine to study cookery and become a chef to cook for people and to share knowledge about my culture,” explained Connor.

Connor credits TAFE Queensland’s training facilities and teachers for giving him the perfect training environment to learn the skills he needs to embark on the career of his dreams.

“They are the best of the best and have everything you need. My teachers were also amazing, and I wouldn't be on my journey to become a chef today without them. They taught me precision cuts, how to make complex desserts, cook complex dishes, and properly store food and clean down after a shift in a flexible environment.”

“When I enter a kitchen, I’m confident I can make any recipe because I’m in my element and completely focused. I aspire to become the head chef of my business and employ apprentices to share my knowledge with.

In the 5-10 years, I see myself travelling, learning about different cuisines and how people incorporate their culture into their food so that I can implement it into my restaurant one day.

“Thanks to TAFE Queensland, I've learnt so much that I’m ready to train when I leave school. When I enter a kitchen, I’m instantly in my element, and I love how the food I make brings people together,” explained Connor.

His training and passion for food culminated in winning the QTIC Salute to Excellence Award for cookery after a rigorous entry process.

“I had to write an essay on why I should enter the awards, complete a skill test day where I was graded on cooking a dish, and participate in an interview and a theory quiz. It was challenging and fun, and I made new friends.”

“Winning felt good, and I recommend studying at TAFE Queensland to anyone who wants a career in cookery. TAFE Queensland has the best equipment, facilities and teachers who will push you to become your best to achieve your goals and to dream big because if you have to will to succeed, you will succeed,” said Connor.

Patrick Dennis, Director of Faculty, Tourism Hospitality and Personal Services at TAFE Queensland, is incredibly proud of Connor’s efforts in winning the Salute to Excellence Cookery Award section.

“We are incredibly proud of Connor and admire his ability to take hold of opportunities and give them his best,” Mr Denis said.

“He progressed through a demanding judging process to become one of the state’s top finalists ahead of many challenging competitors.”

Mr Dennis also said the awards were a timely reminder to support the tourism and hospitality industry.

“I’m always excited to see people recognised for their mastery and dedication in their chosen industry, and everyone at TAFE Queensland congratulates Connor on his success.”

With the latest Jobs Queensland figures indicating a 10 per cent growth in jobs in Accommodation and Food Services in Queensland* over the next two years, cookery will be one of the biggest industries for growth.

“With tourists flocking back to Queensland to experience the spectacular offerings of our state, it’s wonderful to see skilled new talent entering the workforce with enthusiasm to support the industry at this critical time.”

“Congratulations must also go to the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, all the teachers and all the employers involved in the awards for their dedication in supporting students and trainees to create a rewarding career,” concluded Mr Dennis.

*Source: Jobs Queensland: Anticipating Future Skills