Brent Strong from Shoalhaven has won the 2016 TAFE NSW Bicentenary Oliver C Shaul Scholarship in a state-wide competition.

Brent, an outstanding final year cookery apprentice, is the 28th recipient of the prestigious and coveted scholarship. The Oliver C Shaul Scholarship was established in 1988 by Oliver C Shaul, a leader and educator who was keen to acknowledge and reward excellence in commercial cookery.

Scholarship applications are judged by industry representatives looking for commitment, passion and culinary talent.

The scholarship will support Brent's three-month overseas work placement at Relae in Copenhagen, Denmark. Relae is a Michelin-starred certified organic restaurant with its own farm. It has won the Sustainable Restaurant Award twice.

The once in a lifetime opportunity under the supervision of Head Chef Jonathan Tam will equip Brent with sustainable practices and ingredients transferable to his own cookery on his return home.

"It's still sinking in. It's such a huge opportunity," says Brent.

Learn more about TAFE Scholarships.