What course did you study at TAFE SA? When did you graduate?
Certificate III in Retail Baking (Cake and Pastry) 2017
Why did you choose to study this course?
I have always loved baking and knew that I wanted to pursue it as a career.
What job/industry are you employed in now?
I am employed by Green Valley Strawberries Café as the head Pastry Cook
How did your training with TAFE SA help you to get where you are now?
TAFE SA provided me with an incredible variety of baking skills, that was a great stepping stone to my career in the hospitality industry. I gained many opportunities to further expand my knowledge in baking and was continually supported by my lecturers during and after my training. I continue to sue some of the recipes and skills learnt at TAFE SA.
Can you describe a typical workday?
My typical workday at the café consists of creating and preparing pancakes and waffles with a variety of toppings and flavours. Every week I create at least 20 different cakes and biscuits that are displayed in a cabinet. I have the ability to get creative with cheesecakes, baked dishes, slices, tarts and biscuits. I oversee the running of the kitchen and work closely with a small team of cooks and waitering staff to ensure the best quality of service is provided.
Suppose a student was considering a career in your industry. What would you advise them to study? Are there any soft skills that would be beneficial for them to develop? Should they pursue any sort of work experience?
I would highly recommend to study baking or patisserie via an apprenticeship, the program at TAFE SA is incredible and the lecturers are passionate and so helpful in guiding you in the right direction. If you study the course through an apprenticeship, you have the added bonus of work experience at the same time. I think starting off with a casual job in the hospitality industry gets your foot in the door and you can further expand your knowledge.
What do you love most about your job? What kind of tasks do you enjoy doing the most?
I love that I have a huge variety of opportunities within my job, I can get creative with designing menu items for the café, and also bake any sweet products for the cake cabinet. My favourite task at the moment is playing around with a Basque Cheesecake recipe and creating new flavours.
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current TAFE SA student?