30 APRIL 2007
HTA supports Queensland’s rising generation of chefs
The brainchild of international executive chefs association Les Toques Blanches and sponsored by the Hospitality Training Association, the Rising Chefs of the Future competition is designed to help high school students prepare for a career in the industry.
More than 240 Queensland high school students have demonstrated they have what it takes to be the next generation of chefs at the recent competition, held as part of the Cultural Culinary Challenge.
Competing in teams of two, students were required to prepare, cook, serve and present a two-course meal for four people in just 90 minutes.
A number of HTA Futures Program students were awarded medals at the Rising Chefs of the Future competition, including Kirsty Baldwin who won gold.
HTA CEO Phillip Charlton said the association was delighted to support the Rising Chefs of the Future competition because it played a valuable role in developing industry opportunities for high school students.
“This competition encourages young people by giving them a head start in industry and provides them with the opportunity to work with the leading chefs in the industry,” he said.
“Through our Futures Program, which offers school-based apprenticeships, the HTA is heavily involved in promoting hospitality careers to high school students and giving them opportunities to train, learn and work in the industry.
“The futures program enables students to earn while they learn, working toward a nationally recognised qualification, while completing high school studies.
“By creating successful career pathways in the hospitality industry, we can support young chefs and help the industry meet its needs for skilled workers now and in the future.”
Chefs of the Future Vice President Anthony Craig said Queensland needed a steady flow of enthusiastic and energetic young people to sustain the art of cooking in Queensland.
“There is a direct translation from HTA Rising Chefs of the Future participants entering the industry after competing in this amazing competition,” he said.
“Without the dedicated support from HTA and CEO Mr Phillip Charlton this amazing event would not be able to add value to the lives of so many young people.”
HTA is a not-for-profit organisation created by the hospitality industry to service the recruitment, training and employment needs of the industry.
HTA provides industry-relevant training and apprenticeships to more than 600 domestic and international students each year, helping to address the Australian skills shortage and providing internationally-recognised qualifications to launch careers.
For further information and interviews contact Mr Phillip Carlton, CEO, 3872 4200
For further images contact Lizelle Bird, Marketing Coordinator, 3872 4200
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