Student offered a full time chef apprenticeship.

For most people, a dream job is something that is worked towards and achieved well after completing Year 12, and often university as well.

For some, they are lucky enough to launch their preferred career whilst still at school, and in the case of Zephyr, this opportunity came in the form of a school based apprenticeship as a chef with the hospitality division of Sydney’s Star Casino.

After completing his Year 11 RoSA as part of his SBA, Zephyr was offered an opportunity to sign out from school and continue his apprenticeship full time. He has chosen to take the leap. He will be trained in a range of international cuisines by some of Sydney’s top chefs. We wish Zephyr the best of luck in his culinary journey and look forward to seeing what he plates up when we come to visit.

What has been one advantage of undertaking a school based apprenticeship?

You get to learn a lot outside of school and more in the industry which is where you’ll be in the years to come. I’m a visual and hands-on learner so it is perfect for me specifically. I’ve learnt to be a real perfectionist and complete dishes in the way the chefs prefer - you can only be creative once you’ve mastered all of the techniques.

What’s a stand out memory from your training as an apprentice chef?

I remember when my manager took myself and the other apprentices out to visit various places where we source our food. We went to a huge butcher called Haverick meats where they demonstrated how a cow is butchered, how waste is minimised and every part of the animal is utilised.

One piece of advice you would give to a Year 10 student thinking of completing a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship?

If you know it’s what you want to do then definitely try it and don’t give up straight away if it feels too hard. Everything’s difficult and sometimes you have to push through the pain - for example getting up early to go to work - but it’s worth it for something you really enjoy. For me the SBAT gave me an opportunity to leave school and work which has been great for me - but it might not be for you. Discuss it with your family as well.

Students interested in learning more about school-based apprenticeships (including opportunities at the Star) should speak with Careers Adviser Mr Leggett.