Personalised for LOCAL students.
Local student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.
Personalised for INTERNATIONAL students.
International student means; you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

Maria Goncalves

Maria is a chef instructor currently working with Commercial Cookery, Patisserie and EAL students at Melbourne Polytechnic.  Having worked in the commercial cookery and patisserie fields for over 15 years, she has developed her skills and abilities within an industry that is constantly changing and adapting to tastes, cultures and people. 

She brings her Portuguese flair to everything she does having learned the art from both professional chefs and her family over the years. Maria believes a hands on approach is best, and showing rather than telling always gets the best results. The ethos in all of Maria's classes is that learning should be a nurturing process.  

Maria has been teaching students at Melbourne Polytechnic since 2010. In that time she has focused on engaging her students in practical and fun ways, to not only teach the required skills but share her passion for cooking and all things food-related. Maria is passionate about not only passing on her skills but the art of making the perfect dish, and engaging with students who are eager to learn.  

Maria completed her Certificate III in both Commercial Cookery and Patisserie in 2005 and 2006 respectively and has been involved in the industry ever since. During her time as an apprentice she won the AHA Daryl Cox competition for The RACV Club in 2003 for Best Dessert as well as the Vic TAFE Apprentice Cookery Challenge 2003 with the team from Melbourne Polytechnic.    

Cookery and Patisserie Courses at MP

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery - Non-apprenticeship SIT30821
Hospitality - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
Free Tafe VTAC Hospitality - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
Are you interested in carving a career in the thriving hospitality scene? Food is a necessity of life and people with skills in Commercial Cookery can work anywhere from the local pub to top international restaurants and hotels. If you want to gain skills in the culinary industry, our popular Certificate III in Commercial Cookery SIT30821 is the right choice for you.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery - Apprenticeship SIT30821
Hospitality - Apprentice, Part Time - Preston
Hospitality - Apprentice, Part Time - Preston
Are you interested in carving a career in the thriving hospitality scene? Food is a necessity of life and people with skills in Commercial Cookery can work anywhere from the local pub to top international restaurants and hotels. If you want to gain skills in the culinary industry, our popular Certificate III in Commercial Cookery SIT30821 is the right choice for you.
Certificate III in Patisserie SIT31021
Hospitality - Full Time - Preston
VTAC Hospitality - Full Time - Preston
Become the face behind those delectable cake shop and patisserie creations. Our Certificate III in Patisserie SIT31021 will develop creativity and passion for detail as you take the first step in your career as a pastry chef. If you are an Apprentice Pastry cook, or seeking a qualification, or if you simply want a career change, this course is for you.
Certificate IV in Kitchen Management SIT40521
Hospitality - Full Time - Preston
Free Tafe Hospitality - Full Time - Preston
Are you an aspiring head chef or restaurant owner? Our Certificate IV in Kitchen Management SIT40521 provides the ingredients and techniques you need to cook up a tantalizing career.