TasTAFE apprentice chef to represent Tasmania at national culinary final

Winner of the Nestlé Professional Tasmanian Regional Cook-Off competition Sophie Batterham (right) will represent Tasmania at the national finals in Melbourne in September.

TasTAFE Certificate III in Commercial Cookery learner Sophie Batterham will represent Tasmania at the Grand Final of the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award in Melbourne this September after achieving the highest score at the Nestlé Professional Tasmanian regional cook-off competition in Launceston this week.

An apprentice chef at Joseph Chromy Wines, Sophie competed against six of Tasmania's emerging culinary talents at TasTAFE's Paterson Street Campus.

During the competition, each participant had two and a half hours to prepare and present two versions of a main course and a dessert. Dishes were assessed against globally recognised standards for technical skill, creativity, presentation and flavour.

“I was very nervous at first but once I got into the competition, I really enjoyed it,” Sophie said.

Now in the final year of her apprenticeship and preparing to graduate in September, Sophie credits TasTAFE's supportive learning environment for helping her develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.

“I’ve learnt a lot; I’ve had great teachers who have been really supportive – it’s been really good.”

The Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award is the third major competition Sophie has entered since beginning her culinary career, having already achieved success in two prestigious national events.

“I was a finalist in this year’s Proud to be a Chef and Australian Emerging Patissier of the Year competitions. These events offer opportunities for networking and learning. You meet top chefs and it’s so important to find the right mentor as you progress in your career.”

Raised on a farm, Sophie is passionate about championing local, seasonal ingredients and believes chefs have an important role to play in showcasing the quality of Tasmania's produce.

“Farmers have done their job and it’s up to us to use the best local and seasonal produce we can find. This focus on fresh produce is driving the cooking industry and it’s important to me personally.”

The Tasmanian regional cook-off forms part of a broader series of heats held across Australia and New Zealand, providing more than 300 apprentice chefs with opportunities to test their skills, gain industry experience and accelerate their professional development.

Nestlé Professional Executive Chef Elke Travers said she was pleased to see the competition return to Tasmania and was encouraged by the quality of talent on display.

“At a time when many young chefs are looking for more opportunities to develop their skills and progress, competitions like this play an important role in supporting the next generation of talent,” Elke said.

TasTAFE Cookery Trainer and Assessor, and Tasmanian Director of the Australian Culinary Foundation Chef Michael Norton, who judged the competition alongside Elke Travers, said events such as the Golden Chef's Hat Award provided invaluable real-world learning experiences for apprentice chefs.

“This competition enhances the skills development of our apprentice chefs, introduces them to the pressures of working in a professional kitchen under the watchful eye of executive chefs, and they benefit from our collaboration with industry; ensuring our training is relevant and they are work-ready when they graduate,” Michael said.

“Without access to the spaces and equipment that we are afforded, apprentices and former students wouldn't have access to these valuable and engaging experiences.

“A massive thanks to everyone at Paterson Street Campus for being so accommodating and we wish Sophie Batterham the best of luck at the national finals later next month in Melbourne.”

Sophie's success highlights the strength of Tasmania's emerging culinary talent and the role industry partnerships and vocational training play in preparing the next generation of chefs for rewarding careers in hospitality. To find out more about launching your career in the visitor economy head to https://bit.ly/3TdOgyk