Warwick apprentice turns up the heat in preparation for national skills competition

Robbie said he was excited to serve up his most delectable dishes to date during the event, using skills gained under the expert mentorship of TAFE Queensland Hospitality and Cookery Teacher and Chef, Andrew Bowden, while completing his Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) apprenticeship at the Abbey Boutique Hotel.

“Most recently Chef Andy has been teaching me all about using the same ingredients in different ways. For example, instead of using 17 different vegetables to make the dish more interesting, we’re doing four different types of beetroot, prepared in three different ways, each with a varied flavour profile for one of my competition dishes,” said Robbie.

Choosing from a range of available competition ingredients, Robbie will prepare a four-course menu, using his masterfully developed techniques to highlight duck as his protein of choice, with his signature culinary creation, Applewood-smoked duck.

While Robbie is looking forward to doing his home town of Warwick proud at the competition, the preparation sessions, together with the expert guidance from TAFE Queensland’s Chef Bowden, are key ingredients for success in his apprenticeship.

“Right now I’m really enjoying learning all aspects of the trade and Chef Andy is paying a big part in that — I love finding new ways of doing things and researching recipes on the internet for inspiration,” he added.

“At 90 per cent of the places I’ve worked there has been a strong emphasis on being prepared. Everything is organised, so we know exactly what we are going to do and exactly how it’s going to happen.”

TAFE Queensland’s Chef Bowden is imparting the latest industry knowledge and trends with his students completing Certificate II through to Certificate IV level courses in commercial cookery and kitchen management.

Chef Bowden has an extensive resume of international experience gained over three decades working in senior roles in Europe, Dubai, the United Kingdom and Australia.

With roles as Executive Chef for a London television network and Head Chef of the Member’s restaurant at Parliament House in Brisbane under his hat, Chef Bowden now brings a fresh flavour profile to the Southern Downs foodie scene.

“Watching my students build on their knowledge and develop their confidence in the kitchen is incredibly rewarding – it’s great to see the difference in my students from when they first start, to towards the end of their training. The quality of dish that they plate up is remarkable,” said Chef Bowden.

Volunteering time outside of his teaching schedule to help Robbie prepare for the pressures of a competitive cooking environment, Chef Bowden shares his tips and tricks during regular sessions leading up the competition in August. He is also no stranger to the competition environment himself, competing as a finalist in Food and Hospitality Queensland’s Queensland Chef of the Year competition.

“I’m on the journey with Robbie to support him and to ensure he does well during the competition. It’s been great fine-tuning his techniques and timings during our preparation sessions,” said Chef Bowden.

TAFE Queensland General Manager of the South West Region, Jenni Butler, said TAFE Queensland has long been a strong supporter of WorldSkills Australia and is excited to see this year’s competitors showcase their skills at the event.

“Vocational Education and Training forms an integral piece of the Australian education system and this competition highlights the important role that skilled workers play in our industries and our communities across Australia,” said Mrs Butler.

Of the 65 Queenslanders selected to compete at the WorldSkills National Championships, 50 are TAFE Queensland apprentices and students who cite their teachers and mentors as key reasons for their success.

This is a statistic Mrs Butler says confirms the state’s largest training provider is delivering top quality training.

“TAFE Queensland provides quality training across many industries and strives to deliver the skilled workers that can lead Queensland’s economy for generations to come, these highly-skilled apprentices and students are key examples of the high-quality graduates produced at TAFE Queensland,” she said.

“On behalf of TAFE Queensland, I would like to wish Robbie all the best at the WorldSkills National Competition.” she added.

Applewood-smoked duck with duck powder, smoked pistachios, textures of beetroot, cauliflower cream and duck sauce.