A return to his roots: meet Aidan Kearney

“Over the years I’ve had a great experience with TAFE Queensland, completing my own qualifications here (i.e. Diploma of Hospitality, and Certificates III in Commercial Cookery and Food Processing – Retail Baking) so coming back felt like the obvious choice – it’s where my roots are and really where my journey began,” Aidan, TAFE Queensland’s new hospitality teacher, shared.

Only three months into his new teaching role, Aidan’s passion for food and for sharing knowledge is already making its mark.

Aidan’s love of cooking began early – inspired by the heart of his home.

“My mother was a great cook and heavily influenced my baking and cooking from a young age.  

“Ever since then I’ve always had a passion for all things food,” he shared.

That passion turned into a career that’s taken him through kitchens, bakeries, cafés, and now classrooms across South West Queensland.

Based at Roma, Aidan teaches a full suite of hospitality skills – from kitchen fundamentals to the artistry of a perfectly poured espresso.

His teaching style focuses on balancing technical training with the kind of professionalism and work ethic that makes graduates stand out. 

“My advice for new recruits? Be professional, be fast, be clean – the rest will come with training and experience,” Aidan said.

Unlike the long nights and unpredictable rosters of typical hospitality work, Aidan now enjoys what he calls his ‘dream shift’.

“8:30am to 4:30pm – the hospitality dream,” he smiled.

“I can find myself travelling within Roma to Chinchilla, Charleville, Cunnamulla or anywhere in between – with a good balance of classroom time, workplace time, even ZOOM time or, one of my favourites, behind the coffee machine, making espresso,” Aidan said. 

While Aidan connects with all five of TAFE Queensland’s key values, one stands out as his guiding principle.

“‘Working Together’ is what resonates most – hospitality thrives on teamwork, and I make sure students experience that in both the classroom and the kitchen,” Aidan explained.

“I help them build the skills to work well with others – just as they’ll need to in a real industry environment,” Aidan said.

This ‘collaborative spirit’ extends beyond his classes to TAFE Queensland’s culture. 

“At TAFE Queensland, everything revolves around the learner,” he explained. 

“I’m supported to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, which means students get real-world, relevant training. 

“Watching the students discover their potential and thrive – it’s the most rewarding thing – to watch them grow from being unsure in the kitchen to confidently leading and producing industry standard products and services,” Aidan finished.