Tasting Success – What is it?

The Office for Women's Policy is committed to offering opportunities through its mentoring programs for young women to grow as leaders. Tasting Success is a unique and exciting program which aims to equip female apprentice chefs with the advice, experience and support they need to complete their apprenticeships, remain in the hospitality industry and strive to be the best in their chosen field. The 2007 program provided mentoring for 8 apprentices studying at TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute, Ultimo Campus, by matching them with successful, high profile Sydney chefs. In 2008, the program was extended to TAFE NSW- Sydney Institute, Loftus Campus and involved 12 apprentice chefs and mentors.

The Office for Women's Policy works closely with TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute to implement the Program, which has the support of Tourism Training Australia, HTN – Hospitality Employment Solutions and the involvement of Courtney Clark OAM, Food Industry Consultant and Lyndey Milan, Associate Food Director, BBC Australian Good Food.

Why do we need a Women Chefs’ Mentoring Program?

Women’s involvement in the hospitality industry requires support. There are currently only a small number of women chefs in the hospitality industry. Of the 53 Sydney restaurants awarded chef’s hats in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Chef’s Hat Award 2009 only 4 had kitchens led by women. In NSW, there are currently 18,000 chefs of which only 3,900 (21.6%) are female. In contrast to these figures, there are currently 12,500 cooks of which 5,900 (47.2%) are female 1. Retention rates are also an issue with only 50% of all graduating chefs remaining in the industry after 8 years. Of the 2007 enrolments across TAFE NSW for Commercial Cookery, only 28% of all apprentices were female.

How does Tasting Success work?

Tasting Success comprises 35 hours of mentoring, typically over a 6-9 month period, during which students complete a Work Based Activity, which may include shadowing the mentor in their workplace, menu and recipe development, attending publicity events or photo shoots. Times and dates for activities are negotiated between students and mentors and organised around the existing commitments of both parties. Students complete a learning journal as part of the process. The placement concludes with the presentation of certificates to students.

Tasting Success mentors have included Tony Bilson (Bilsons), Grant King (Pier), Kylie Kwong (Billy Kwong’s), Chui Lee Luk (Claude’s), Matt Moran (Aria), Neil Perry (Rockpool), Giovanna Toppi (Machiavelli) and Tetsuya Wakuda (Tetsuya’s).

Objectives

Tasting Success is an innovative leadership program with a primary focus on women in year 2 or 3 Certificate 3 Hospitality (Commercial Cookery – Trade) or Certificate 3 Hospitality (non-Trade).

The aim of the program is to increase the likelihood that participants will complete their apprenticeships and embark on a career that brings them to senior leadership positions in the hospitality industry.

Objectives

1. Communicate to women the diversity of opportunities available for them in the hospitality industry and the personal advantages of achieving job satisfaction;
2. Provide an opportunity for women especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise have a way of accessing such opportunities, to work with top level chefs;
3. Provide women with access to a network of senior chefs; and
4. Provide women with a program which will encourage active decision-making about their careers.