Wodonga TAFE’s Commercial Cookery apprentices medal winners at AUS-TAFE state finals
Tuesday, 8 October 2019
Three Wodonga TAFE-trained Commercial Cookery apprentices won medals in the State final of the AUS-TAFE 2019 Culinary Trophy in Melbourne recently. The apprentices were all awarded 3rd place in their finals, each bringing home a bronze medal for their hard work in the finals that tested their ability to perform in a high-pressure environment.
Representing our region in the Victorian state final were Rory Stones (3rd year apprentice, employed by All Saints Winery), Jack Gayfer (3rd year apprentice, employed by Taste Rutherglen, and Ripe at Buller Wines), and Courtney Smith (1st year apprentice, employed by ESS). The apprentices were the best of the best from the regional finals held earlier at Wodonga TAFE.
At this round of competitions, the competitors served dishes that were judged on creativity, hygiene, presentation, cooking skills, taste, and served within set time constraints. Menu items prepared by the apprentices included the following:
Rory Stones
- Lamb cutlet rolled with merguez, cavalo mero, herbed potato puree and redcurrant and rosemary jus
- Mandarin pannacotta and curd, amaretto, orange and prosecco sorbet and black sesame isomalt garnish
Courtney Smith
- Pan seared porterhouse, creamy mash, brussel sprouts, julienne carrots with a red wine jus
Jack Gayfer
- Lamb rack with pangrattato, asparagus, carrot puree and carrot rose
- Lemon thyme mille feuille with blueberry granita.
All dishes presented were of an exceptionally high standard said Wodonga TAFE Cookery teacher, Ms Sarah Whitling, who was extremely proud of the students she took to the competitions.
“All three apprentices did an amazing job! They were definitely high achievers against their competitors. Go team Wodonga!”
Sarah said the apprentices benefit hugely from the opportunities to compete throughout the AUS-TAFE competitions. “As well as demonstrating their skills and knowledge, the AUS-TAFE competitions give the students additional exposure to industry expectations, along with some great networking opportunities.”