Cookery apprentices whip up success at VIC TAFE challenge

Three cookery apprentices representing Kangan Institute have snagged bronze medals at the recent VIC TAFE Cookery Challenge.

The team was led by team captain Caitlyn Delaney, of Kilmore East, who was joined by team members Josh Streater, of Footscray, and Stefan Jovanchevski, of Gladstone Park.

Organised by Club Chef and held at Holmesglen Institute, the 26 June event aimed to promote excellence within Victoria’s cookery student community and featured teams of apprentices representing various Victorian TAFEs.

The competition involved working as a team to design and produce three courses using a mystery box of ingredients amidst strict timeframes.

Team Kangan Institute created a smoked duck breast salad entrée, accompanied with an oven-baked flounder for mains and topped with a honey apple mousse dessert.

“I feel very privileged to win this award. Working with my team was a great experience and we worked really well together,” said team captain Caitlyn.

The 20-year-old said preparing for the competition took several trial runs with the support of Kangan Institute cookery teacher Peter Zorzi.  

“We got together a few times to train and Peter taught us a lot, including tips and tricks to handle the competition pressure. The preparation was intense but it worked out for the best,” she said.

“I’d really like to thank Peter for his guidance, my team members for their amazing work and Kangan Institute for giving me the opportunity to compete.”

This award is Caitlyn’s second accolade this year – she was also named Kangan Institute’s cookery apprentice of the year in February. 

“This award shows my team work skills and my abilities in a high pressure environment, and I’m hoping this will look good to future employers,” she said.

“I hope to work as a patisserie chef after my apprenticeship; that’s my ultimate goal.”

Kangan Institute CEO Phill Murphy congratulated the apprentices on their achievements.

“The annual VIC TAFE Cookery Challenge provides students with a chance to immerse in a competition environment and gain valuable experience and practical skills,” he said.

“Our apprentices’ award win is testament to their incredible talent and hard work, as well as the great support and guidance from the teachers and mentors at Kangan Institute.”

The apprentices are currently completing the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30816), with training delivered at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus and their work places.