Media releases

Federation TAFE apprentice Alexis Saville was named Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious 2022 Golden Plate Awards while another Federation TAFE apprentice, Peter Dawson was Highly Commended in the same category.

The Golden Plate Awards, now in its 20^th year, showcase and celebrate the best of the regional Victorian hospitality industry. The awards were announced in front of a crowd of hundreds at a gala dinner at Geelong venue, 1915, on Monday 5 December.

Alexis and Peter are both third year apprentices studying Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at Federation TAFE under the supervision of Teacher, Murray Lewis.

Alexis is undertaking an apprenticeship at celebrated contemporary Japanese restaurant, Kadota in Daylesford which was recently awarded two hats in The Age Good Food Guide and took out the overall prize, the Golden Plate Culinary Award, at the gala event.

Alexis began her culinary career as a Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETIS) student at Daylesford Secondary College and commenced her apprenticeship at Beppe Bar & Kitchen. She transferred to Kadota earlier this year and is now working under the supervision of Chef, Aaron Schembri, where she is going from strength to strength in the kitchen and displaying skills beyond her years.

Highly Commended apprentice, Peter Dawson, started as a VETIS student at Federation TAFE before taking on an apprenticeship at The Shared Table in Buninyong under Chef Dianne Ray, where he regularly runs services. He will soon be taking up a new position as Sous Chef at Botanica.

The Federation TAFE Certificate III in Commercial Cookery course is offered as both an apprenticeship and non-apprentice pathway and is a Free TAFE course.

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Commercial Cookery Teacher, Murray Lewis:

“They both work so hard. Their attention to detail is excellent. Alexis is working in a two-hatted restaurant which is just top notch and very demanding and she does well under pressure. I had the pleasure of teaching Peter during his VETIS times, and again during his third year. He is a diligent and talented cook who works hard and shows maturity beyond his years.” 

“To have two out of that same Commercial Cookery cohort be nominated, and then to have them place first and second is such a good result. Federation TAFE continues to attract high quality students.”

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Commercial Cookery student, Alexis Saville:

“I still can’t believe it. I’m really happy to be able to use all the knowledge everyone has taught me along the way. I’m grateful to Aaron, and Murray at Federation TAFE, and the others who have helped me get here.”

“I want to continue cheffing in future. This award will give me a real boost of credibility. If I decide to start my own business, I’ll have this under my own belt.”

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Commercial Cookery student, Peter Dawson:

“I’m super happy, and really, happy with how far I have come in my career. I wouldn’t have achieved this without the support of my Federation TAFE trainers and my Head Chef.”

“I did a VETIS course at Federation TAFE and continued on there doing an apprenticeship. I knew the trainers, we got along really well, and I felt included and supported. I knew I could do a lot with what they were teaching. I see myself continuing in the industry and continuing to learn as much as I can, wherever I can.”