Following the program, Max is now working as an apprentice chef at the Inasmuch Retirement Village Hospitality unit, Sussex Inlet.  Max felt this has been a great stepping stone into the industry, learning new skills and building his interest in finding other opportunities in the industry, and different places to work.

After working at Inasmuch Max has accepted the opportunity to move to Melbourne as an apprentice chef . Max sees this as an exciting next step in his career journey in Hospitality.

What inspires you to pursue Hospitality as a Career Path?

I just love it when people enjoy what I make.  It’s a very nice feeling when you make a lovely meal or a dessert, you get to see people enjoy it with a smile.

Why did you want to work in your workplace?

Admittedly, in school I realised I wasn’t doing that well in other subjects and classes.  I realised that I could only concentrate well on cooking because I enjoyed it so much.  So I joined the Gaining Through Training program while at school.  Through the program and Di Laver from the Shoalhaven Food Network, I was introduced to Peter at Pelican Shores, Sussex Inlet. Peter found out I was looking for an apprenticeship, and connected me with one of the Inasmuch managers who offered me an opportunity to work for them as an apprentice.  Before this and through the Gaining through Training program I worked in a bakery as well as many of the Shoalhaven Food Network Celebration events last year.

At Inasmuch while it has been a great start, there are limited opportunities, it is a small kitchen and very busy.  This doesn’t give me a lot of time to learn more variety in food preparation and cooking.  I started to look around for other opportunities locally but a family connection to a restaurant in Melbourne gave me an opportunity to try out for an apprenticeship there.  I did a 2 day trial with them with the Epicurean group????

 Where do you want your career choice to take you in the next five years?

Preferably, I would like to work internationally during this time to really learn more.  Where I am going to in Melbourne is an Italian restaurant as well, so learning new cuisines really interests me and its another step in my career.  

What is the best part of your job?

Now the best part is when I get in the kitchen and get active.  I get to go into kitchen and prepare food.  I really love going to TAFE. Monday is my TAFE day where I get to cook all day. It’s the best day of the week for me.

How important is it to look the part, your presentation, in your job role?

I’d say very important in my opinion is wearing  your uniform and presentation.    You feel like you are part of the team wearing the same uniform, you are working together better

What is the most important thing you have to remember when you start your shift?

There are a few things really.  Making sure you are clean and tidy, your hair must be covered, wash your hair and  making sure you are clean.  And of course smile!

If you’re ten minutes early for your shift, your 15 minutes late. 

How has the Gaining Through Training experience helped you with your journey so far?

It definitely helps to get a better understanding of what the different workplaces are and how different they can be.  The experience working at so many different events, which included long table lunches, coffee shop style events, cake decorating. All were different, chargrilled steaks, flamed grilling, side dishes and the different styles of restaurants.  Contemporary food, traditional food and cultural food styles was all part of the experiences. We really saw the many possibilities available to us.

It helps you develop a better understanding of the industry. Before doing GTT, I had no idea how to batter and fry a fish well.  I didn’t know how to use the equipment properly, I learnt so much.  I learnt how to properly hold plates and serve, presenting food, see the kitchen run, what things go where.  I also worked with younger people through the Huskisson Bakery event, doing one on one with younger kids in cake decorating. It was fun!!  I enjoyed it all a lot.

Some of us still wear the uniform from Gaining Through Training because we enjoyed it so much.