WorldSkills Bronze and Big Dreams: Kiara’s Sweet Journey with TAFE Queensland

“My love for baking began with my grandma, making cakes and desserts when I was little. By the end of high school, I knew I didn’t just want baking to be a hobby - it was something I wanted to pursue for life,” Kiara shared.

After attending a two-day Taste of Le Cordon Bleu experience at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus during high school, she was inspired by the chefs' passion and the state-of-the-art facilities.

“I was blown away by the facilities, resources and how passionate the teachers were, and I knew then that I had to enrol after high school. I was eager and excited to learn new skills and build my baking knowledge,” she explained.

With her passion for learning guiding her, Kiara studied pastry and confectionery courses with TAFE Queensland, delivered in partnership with Le Cordon Bleu at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus.

Thanks to the unique partnership between Le Cordon Bleu and TAFE Queensland, she’s gained world-class training that blends industry-renowned expertise with practical, hands-on learning.

During her studies, Kiara has completed the Diplome de Patisserie (Certificate III in Patisserie) (SIT31021), the Certificat de Chef de Partie Patisserie (Certificate IV in Patisserie) (SIT40721) and the Diplome Avance de Gestion Culinaire - Patisserie (Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management) (SIT60322), mastering everything from pastry fundamentals to intricate sugar and chocolate sculptures.

“I love the community TAFE Queensland and Le Cordon Bleu provide - it’s a second family. My classmates and I are passionate about the same things, and we learn from our teachers and each other,” she explained.

“While the facilities are amazing, the people make the experience rewarding and enjoyable. Creating sugar and chocolate showpieces and entremets has been my favourite part; it’s art you can eat! It still amazes me what we can create from sugar and chocolate,” she said.

Her skills were tested during the 2025 WorldSkills National Championships, where Kiara competed in the Patisserie category and earned a bronze medal. 

“Standing on that podium felt surreal, humbling and rewarding all at the same time, knowing how much effort went into preparing.”

“If I hadn’t had the opportunity to compete in the WorldSkills National Championships, I never would’ve discovered what I was truly capable of.”

“I was pushed to my limits and created products I never imagined I could. But more than anything, what boosted my confidence, not just as a pastry chef, but as a person, was learning to adapt in overwhelming moments and push through. If you stick with it, you never know where it might lead.”

While the journey had challenges, Kiara could use her skills and knowledge to keep going in the high-pressure, competitive environment.

“There was a moment during the competition when I felt completely overwhelmed. I was behind, and everything felt like it was going wrong,” she recalls.

“The judges saw I was struggling and came over to encourage me. Their words gave me the strength to keep going, and I’m so grateful for that.”

Kiara credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, friends, teachers and mentors at Le Cordon Bleu and TAFE Queensland.

"I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me through this challenge. I spent countless hours training to prepare for the WorldSkills National Championships, and it was all worth it.”

“I was able to perfect each product through repetition and build the confidence to deliver the same quality under the pressure and time constraints of competition.”

“Winning Bronze is thanks to TAFE Queensland’s incredible facilities and the mentors who supported, pushed and helped me uncover my capabilities. Without them, I wouldn’t have grown as a pastry chef or person,” she said.

Outside of class, Kiara continues to build on her skills through her small business Kiki Kooking and her role at The Whisk Fine Patisserie, where she gets to contribute ideas and learn from a team that supports her creativity.

Kiara dreams of opening her own patisserie in Brisbane, blending traditional and Asian-fusion flavours.

“Studying here has given me the foundation and confidence to realise that dream. It’s not just about the food - the people, the creativity, and bringing joy to others through what you create.”

With a WorldSkills Australia National Championships bronze medal and big goals on the horizon, Kiara Shim is proof that when passion meets the right training, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

“If it’s your passion, don’t hold back. It’s not always going to be easy, but creating something from your own hands - something people love - is the most rewarding thing in the world,” concluded Kiara.