Retail baking graduate completes inaugural Chilean scholarship study tour

Congratulations to retail baking graduate Nalie Dib who recently completed a unique study program in Chile as part of the inaugural Lopez-Lochert Scholarship program.

A partnership between the Victorian Government and Victorian TAFE network, including Kangan Institute, the scholarship enabled 20 top-performing TAFE students to undertake studies at Duoc UC, a tertiary institute in Santiago, from 14 January to 25 January this year.

Ms. Dib, who completed the ‘World of Chilean Wine’ course, said the scholarship program was, overall, “a great experience”.

“It was really good to experience a new culture and gain extra knowledge and inspiration to further my career in Melbourne,” said the talented baker who is currently employed in the cakes division at LaManna Supermarket.

“I learned about matching desserts to wine and I can now recommend wines to go with a dessert I’ve made. I also visited different patisseries in Santiago to learn more about local pastries.”

Kangan Institute’s CEO Trevor Schwenke said the scholarship provided recipients with a valuable opportunity to experience another culture and advance their career prospects.

“Kangan Institute is delighted to work with the Victorian Government and TAFEs to support talented students through the new Lopez-Lochert Scholarship program,” he said.

“The scholarship is an excellent avenue for capable students like Nalie to gain vital experiences, skills and perspectives to enhance their career prospects within a changing global economy.”

The scholarship – which carries the name of Rafaela Lopez and Peter Lochert, two Victorians who have contributed significantly to the Latin American community in Victoria, demonstrates the Victorian Government’s commitment to supporting internationalisation of the Victorian TAFE curriculum, and two-way student mobility between Victoria and Chile.