Seventeen NSI ‘Appetite for Success’ participants celebrated their graduation at Zest Waterfront Venues, Sydney.
This was the very first group of TAFE NSW students to graduate from the program. The graduation presentation was attended by the hospitality industry’s most elite chefs and food and beverage professionals including Matthew Kemp, Warren Turnball, John Deane and Adam Moore.
Designed to develop the talents of chefs and food and beverage attendants already working within the industry, the Appetite for Success program saw participants from NSI and Sydney Institute (SI) paired together with high profile industry mentors.
Throughout the program students each had their own tailored learning program, were able to attend master classes, regular workshops with their mentors and completed group tasks.
A range of awards were presented on the graduation evening, including the highly coveted King Salmon Award, was won by Thomas Mustafa. The King Salmon Award required apprentices to create and cook their own recipes using New Zealand King Salmon.
Thomas, Sous Chef at Delaware North Catering, Sydney Cricket Ground was mentored by Dwane Goodman, former Head Chef Wolgan Valley Resort.
As part of his prize, Thomas received a trophy and photo shoot sponsored by New Zealand King Salmon and an all expenses paid trip to experience the top restaurants in New Zealand.
The Rockpool Award, presented by Institute Director Kevin Harris was awarded to Michelle Paschali, Vesna Hrzenak and Courtney White. The winners of the Rockpool award received a trophy and a trip to participate in work experience at Rockpool Bar and Grill and Spice Temple in Melbourne.
Michelle Paschali also received the Academic Award for the evening, along with James Fairbank and Sarah Marsh.
The Academic Award winners received dinners from Marque, Four in Hand and Aqua Dining and books from Luke Nguyen, Mark Jensen and Marque restaurant.
Program mentor and Ambassador Matt Kemp said it was wonderful to see the participants celebrating their achievements.
“I feel privileged to be a part of the Appetite for Success Program. The incredible commitment of TAFE NSW to the students and the industry is fantastic,” he said.
“The growing participation of well known industry professionals is encouraging and very exciting for those participating students who are given the opportunity to be mentored by some of the best in the business.
“At the recent graduation I could really see the difference this program is making with the quality and standard of participating students graduating.
“It was evident that these students through the mentoring process have a confidence, direction and a passion for their chosen industry that will surely see them advance their careers successfully. Well done to all involved!”
To find out more about the Appetite for Success program visit.