Cooking up a storm at the Australian Culinary Challenge
Melbourne Polytechnic students have taken home a number of awards at the 2018 Australian Culinary challenge. The prestigious culinary competition was held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre earlier this month.
Jakeb Jesser has won the Best Apprentice in the State award at the Australian Culinary Challenge. The 27-year-old is a second year apprentice studying for his Cert III in Commercial cookery. Jakeb Jesser was awarded Best 2nd year apprentice, as well as taking home the award for Best Apprentice in the State. He will go on to represent Victoria at the National competition in Canberra in October, where he will compete against apprentices from across Australia. Jakeb recently met the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews during a visit to the Melbourne Polytechnic Collingwood campus.
From barista to best apprentice chef
On winning the award, Jakeb Jesser said “It’s been a bit overwhelming to be honest! I started working at a café as a barista and ended up working in the kitchen when we were short staffed. My manager encouraged me to start an apprenticeship and pursue a career as a chef. Competing was great and I’m looking forward to the national competition later in the year.”
Gary Paterson, Manager of Hospitality at Melbourne Polytechnic, said “We are incredibly proud of Jakeb Jesser for winning such a highly recognised award. He’s worked incredibly hard to reach such a high standard and we wish him the best of luck at Nationals.”