Year 12 John Therry Rosemeadow students have put their hospitality skills to the test, cooking up a storm for over 70 senior students and teachers. The group is studying the VET subject of Hospitality as part of their Higher School Certificate; they were offered this unique learning experience from local non-profit, MWLP, as part of their mandatory work placement requirements.

Students prepped, cooked and served delicious chicken and lamb burgers, followed by mouth-watering desserts of chocolate brownies and sticky date puddings.

The long-lunch program was designed by MWLP’s own ‘celebrity’ chef and work placement manager, Michael Everett.

Michael invited dedicated and committed chefs along for the two-day event: Graham Krueger from Wests Leagues Club; Darren Lees from HTN (Hospitality Training Network), a group training organisation committed to the development of up and coming Hospitality apprentices; and Peter Sheppard from the Campbelltown Catholic Club. They inspired the group on day one with talks and advice about their career journeys so far.

The students donned aprons and were mentored by Krueger as well as James Fairbanks from the Hospitality Training Network and former student, Courtney Abela from Airport Rydges, who was responsible for plating some amazing desserts.

"This level of expertise providing mentoring opportunities to engage students in the industry was beyond the expectations of ordinary work placement. This is a privilege we are very grateful for and we hope will be a model for all our students in future years" — Angela Cascarino, VET Coordinator, John Therry

Feedback from teachers and students was very positive. Roman Golebiewski, Year 12 Coordinator said, “Today was wonderful. A good effort. The students demonstrated solid commitment and respect.”

Year 12 Hospitality student, Joe Huynh, was very impressive as maître d’ for the lunch. Not only was he responsible for the invitations and name tags, Joe ran the ‘front of house’ superbly.

Joe has a passion for hospitality. He attended the MWLP's Jobs for Youth night and work placement at Campbelltown Catholic Club recently. He was so impressive, he has been offered an apprenticeship commencing early 2020.

“I hope everyone today enjoys the food and receives the highest quality service. I work casually at McDonalds. I’m all about food! I love food, I love cooking and I’m pretty good at it. Today has been great and I can’t wait to start my apprenticeship,” Joe said.

(L to R): Ann Conte – JT Teacher; Christina Fraser – CEDoW VET Coordinator; Wayne Marshall – JT Principal; Jennifer Callaghan – CEDoW VET Administration; Angela Cascarino – JT VET Coordinator; Steve Peters – JT Teacher
 

Fellow student, Dylan Brown, has his sights set on a university pathway to either Business Management or Physiotherapy. He hopes the skills and industry connections he will make with this VET course will assist him with casual jobs in hospitality whilst studying.

“Today was awesome. Connecting local students to industry representatives is what our job is all about, but to work with them as well is so good. The students are wonderful and really enjoyed working with the different chefs. They all added their own personalities and skill sets to the event, which gives the students such a varied perspective and some really different ideas” — Michael Everett, work placement manager, MWLP 

Article originally published on MWLP's website. MWLP is a not-for-profit community organisation focused on improving education and transition outcomes for all young people, especially in preparing them for the world of work – nurturing aspiration, career management and entrepreneurialism, whilst simultaneously addressing the ongoing needs of business. More information at www.mwlp.com.au