Ben Hirsig, Apprentice Chef speaks at GCIT Star Rating Presentation
18-08-2009
On August 13th, the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE was awarded Three Gold Stars for Excellence in their Cookery Department. Speakers Included Mr Brian Wexham, CEO of the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence, The Hon. Peter Lawlor MP and Ben Hirsig, Apprentice Chef. Ben reflects on his time at GCIT and talks about his plans to travel to Europe and continue working as a chef.
"I am currently engaged in my final block of Cookery training at the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (GCIT), Ashmore Campus . I’ve been enrolled at the Institute for three years, and can comfortably say that the staff in the hospitality department and the Institute as a whole is deserving of this commendation.
As an apprentice, I am required to be employed while attending TAFE. As such, my time at the Institute is limited; in fact only six weeks per year. In that short time, I have not only been able to complete all curriculum requirements, but forge healthy relationships with students and teachers alike.
Most students would agree with me that we have the best of both worlds when turn up at TAFE each day. We have a laugh with our mentors and learn skills and techniques that we may not have the opportunity to learn at our workplace.
As an example of the dedication our teachers have to their job, last week I discovered that I am currently being taught by the same teacher, Peter Lingard, who taught my boss’s teacher, Liz Gadd.
Recently I booked a one-way flight to Europe and upon completing my training at TAFE, plan to further my skills as a chef. As my time draws to an end at GCIT, I feel confident in saying that I have been equipped with a unique skill set. One that can only be acquired by learning from multiple mentors, each contributing different ideas and teaching methods, whilst being helpful and supportive in any problem we may encounter.
On that note, I congratulate everybody who has been a part of earning this award, it is well deserved. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to work with such highly skilled staff members."
News Archive
- Degrees in TAFE - 08-09-2009
- Presentation Ceremony for Gold Coast Institute of TAFE - 18-08-2009
- Star Rating Presentation - 29-01-2009
- Teacher of The Year Award - 31-10-2008
- Trades & Skills Teacher Awards - 31-10-2008
- Gippsland Group Training - 17-06-2008
- RTO recognition & time to nominate teachers - 17-06-2008
- Star Rating Scheme Presentation - May 2008 - 26-05-2008
- Institute grants more Star Ratings at recent ceremony - 14-05-2008
- Top TAFEs acknowledged - 18-03-2008
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Degrees in TAFE
A monograph, published by the NCVER examines the growth and implications of higher education offered by TAFE institutes.
Presentation Ceremony for Gold Coast Institute of TAFE
On August 13th 2009, The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence held Presentation Ceremony acknowledging the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE. The Cookery School at GCIT was awarded Three Gold Stars, the highest level of recognition in the Star Rating Sch
Ben Hirsig, Apprentice Chef speaks at GCIT Star Rating Presentation
Ben Hirsig, Apprentice Chef at the GCIT Speaks about his time at the Institute, and the skills he acquired that will stay with him for life
Star Rating Presentation
In November 2008 The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence (The Institute) held a presentation ceremony for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
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In The Headlines
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