TAFE NSW Loftus student, Christopher Russo has been recognised for his academic achievements and positive work ethic at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards event in Ryde yesterday.

Mr Christopher Russo, who completed a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at TAFE NSW Loftus in 2018, was announced as the winner of the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award at a gala awards ceremony at TAFE NSW Ryde.

These awards recognise our most passionate, industrious and skillful students, and demonstrate commitment of TAFE NSW to train the workforce leaders of the future when, where and how it suits them,” Ms Wood said.

“We are confident that the exciting learning opportunities we created for these winners helped them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their career.

“TAFE NSW is proud to equip our students with practical skills and work experience so they’re ready to hit the ground running in their chosen field.

“It’s incredibly rewarding for TAFE NSW teachers to watch students like Christopher grow in the knowledge that the skills and talents they learn with us have the potential to transform their lives,” Ms Wood concluded.

Christopher’s next step in his TAFE NSW journey is to study patisserie so he can open up his own catering business in the future. Currently employed as an apprentice at, Café Sydney, Christopher has had the opportunity to demonstrate his unique food preparation skills during his time competing in WorldSkills Australia in 2017.

“My time at TAFE NSW has been a very interesting, exciting and productive one. My teachers are dedicated professionals who walk the extra mile to nourish me with the skills and finesse in the gastronomic world. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in different sections of the kitchen during my time at Café Sydney to gain the maximum culinary knowledge for my betterment. I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me in the hospitality space,” said Mr Russo.

“I choose this industry because of my passion and ambition to become a chef. I taught myself how to prepare orders with minimum wastage, so I can be environmentally responsible in the workplace. The studies that I undertook at TAFE NSW supplemented many of these salient features into my work ethics.

“My message to the up-and-coming chefs of tomorrow is to be more focused in the study you undertake. Be mindful of the time and effort one puts into reaching their goals. I encourage those who have a passion for food to give it a go and make a career out of it.  

Media contact: Laura Kelly, Media and Communications Business Partner, laura.kelly40@tafensw.edu.au, mobile: 0411 777 676