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Essential ingredients for a five-star career in the hospitality industry
Growing up in the small village of Tell-Banat, Sinjar in Iraq, Qaharaman Khudhur spent countless hours in the kitchen with his mother. It was here he was taught his country’s traditional dishes – rich in spices and fragrance, and their secrets – experiences that would ‘serve’ to motivate him when he eventually left his home country.
In 2019 Qaharaman settled in Australia, and began the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at TAFE Queensland in Toowoomba. The AMEP, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, provides free English language classes to support the settlement of migrants and refugees in Australia.
Qaharaman chose to leave Iraq given the significant turmoil its people had experienced, and he saw Australia as an opportunity to build a future he had always dreamt of.
Six years later Qaharaman has a full-time job as a qualified chef at Toowoomba’s Southern Hotel and is the TAFE Queensland Bob Walker Memorial Award winner for ‘Excellence in Learning’, as well as a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) graduate.
Qaharaman was nominated for the award by TAFE Queensland Cookery Educator, Chef Steven Simon, owing to his unshakeable attitude and passion for cooking – despite language barriers and the pressure to prove himself in a new country.
“Qaharaman’s dedication and persistence have equipped him with a well-rounded set of skills in both front-of-house and kitchen roles,” Steven said.
“Despite English being his second language, Qaharaman’s unshakable attitude and passion for cooking have set the stage for a successful career,” he said.
Qahraman with TAFE Queensland eductor, Chef Steven at the Toowoomba graduation ceremomy.
Qaharaman invested his time and commitment into his education having undertaken four courses with TAFE Queensland, including a Certificate II in Hospitality (SIT20316) and English language courses prior to embarking on a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821).
“I started doing dishes for a month then slowly, slowly started working at the sections with one of the chefs.
“Soon after training I was able to start working by myself.”
“I learned a lot and now I can work anywhere in the kitchen, full of confidence,” Qaharaman shared.
For Qaharaman, he saw an apprenticeship as a great way to gain hands-on experience, an industry-recognised qualifications while earning a salary.
“The thing I have enjoyed about my course was getting paid and being a full-time worker,” said Qaharaman.
“Because of TAFE Queensland teachers and our chefs – I got to this point – they supported me a lot more than what I expected – from beginning to now.”
“I never felt lonely or stressed at work either – all chefs were awesome and they always helped me with everything,” he reflected.
His dedication and persistence have equipped him with a well-rounded set of skills in both front-of-house and kitchen roles. And looking to the future, Qaharaman hopes this experience will enable him to eventually own his own business.
“There might be other places to work – less busy places – but I like working at The Southern because I like ‘busy’ – it’s the best place for me,” Qaharaman said.
“I’m enjoying what I'm doing right now, and one day I will want to do something for myself, like have my own business,” shared Qaharaman.
“I was not expecting to get the Bob Walker award – but of course I was so proud when I heard my name – it meant a lot to me, especially when my family was there too,” Qaharaman finished.