WelTec Students in Training

MEDIA RELEASE

18 May 2007

WelTec Students in Training

Wellington Institute of Technology (Weltec) Hospitality students and tutors are in training for the Wellington Culinary Fare, part of the Wellington Food Show at Westpac Stadium from May 25-27. Students, chefs and waiters from around the country will be in Wellington to compete for prestigious medals and trophies.

Nearly 30 WelTec students will be competing in cookery and food and beverage service events. Three students particularly have the responsibility of trying to win back the Ian MacLennan Memorial Trophy, a Junior Team Skills event and the highlight of the Fare.

Teams of two trainee chefs and a trainee waiter will prepare and serve a three-course for five people in two-and-a-half hours. They will be judged on all aspects of preparation and service.

WelTec teams won the event for the first two years of the event but others have won it over the last two years. This year’s WelTec team – Christina Thompson, Laura Oliver and Shirley Hynes – is determined to try to win it back.

Weltec chef tutor Paul Gibbs says taking part in competitions is a great way for students to gain experience. “Some of the students competing only started their study in February but they are expected to compete,” says Paul. “Their tutors make sure they are well prepared and they get a lot of support with their training.

“We’ve found that competing makes a huge difference to their learning and we can see their skill levels and confidence grow.”

Last year, WelTec Cookery Tutor Scott Campbell won the Chef of the Capital title at the Culinary Fare. This year Tutor Patrick Hogan will be competing with top chefs from Wellington for the coveted title.

ENDS

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