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WorldSkills medal goes to Lismore commercial cooking apprentice8 June 2004 “Fantastic!” was the one word response from Lismore TAFE student and apprentice, Trenton Root, when asked about his recent silver medal win at the National WorldSkills competition. Trenton was one of nearly 47,000 competitors that flocked to the Brisbane Convention Centre on 28-30 May to compete in 60 different categories. Trenton, a 2nd year apprentice at a Lismore restaurant, is studying his Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Wollongbar Campus, part of the TAFE NSW’s North Coast Institute. Having already gained his Certificate IV in Hospitality Operations, Trenton was keen to gain further skills. When it was suggested by his teachers that he enter the WorldSkills competition, he agreed, as he thought it would be a good experience and the perfect chance to gain those extra skills. The three days of competition comprised of three separate sections; Mystery Menu, Cold Larder and Pastry and Four-Course Set Menu. “For the mystery menu, it was revealed the day before, and then we had one hour to plan it and write it down,” said Trenton. “Then we spent the day preparing and cooking it, based on guidelines and ingredients specified.” For the Cold Larder and Pastry, Trenton had to produce canapés, Chicken Ballantyne and prepare individual shoe pastries with a variety of fillings. All competitors were assessed on their kitchen work, their hygiene, bench work, and methods of preparing and presentation. The end results were also tasted as part of the competition. Trenton said, “I was told after the results were announced that I scored highly in my benchwork and hygiene, and that the judges were impressed by the simplicity and flavour of my meals.” Trenton said that the whole event was one big learning experience. “Just by going around, looking at what other people were doing and talking to the other competitors, I learnt heaps….even talking to other North Coast Institute students on the bus going up to Brisbane.” He was also very happy to have it on his CV, because “Employers value it, especially winning a medal at the national level.” TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute offer a range of certificate and diploma courses in the areas of Hospitality Management, Food and Beverage Service, Accommodation Services, Cookery, Catering and Kitchen Operations and the students are regular competitors in the WorldSkills competitions at a regional, national and international level.
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Trenton Root in action at the National Worldskills competition Brisbane 2004 Contact: |
