25 February 2019

22 year old Medowie local and newly-qualified pastry chef Hayley Waterhouse was awarded her third student scholarship yesterday - a $2,500 Trevor Drayton Scholarship.

She was one of two TAFE NSW Hamilton students recognised for their learning excellence and potential in the food and hospitality industries, at a scholarship presentation held at Carrington Place Restaurant & Bar.

The scholarships are awarded annually in conjunction with the Hunter TAFE Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organisation working with TAFE NSW, Hunter region businesses, education providers and community leaders committed to helping students achieve their goals.

“It is an honour to be chosen to receive the Trevor Drayton Scholarship. It will greatly accompany the skills and experience I developed through my TAFE NSW training and my apprenticeship,” Ms Waterhouse said.

“The scholarship will open so many opportunities to make valuable connections and network with people who are like minded and very passionate about what they do. It also provides an opportunity build my skills and self-confidence towards achieving my dreams and to mentor young people like I have been mentored.

“One of my career goals has always been to work in London and I’m finally achieving that in August this year. I also have a week’s work experience with the San Francisco Baking Institute in May. This has been possible due to another couple of scholarships I’ve won recently, the BBM Youth Support Award and the Sydney J Packham (OAM) Baking Industry Medal.

“I am really excited that the Trevor Drayton Scholarship will enable me to extend my time in the US and undertake work experience elsewhere!”

Ms Waterhouse’s short-term career aspiration is to immerse herself in other cultures to broaden her horizons in ‘all things baking’ while her longer-term aspiration is to come back home, share her passion for baking with those around her and further enhance the baking industry

Hunter TAFE Foundation president Gary Webb said, “The Foundation is proud to work with the Trevor Drayton Scholarship Fund committee in assisting it to manage donation efforts that support the ambitions of Hunter region residents working and studying in the food, wine and hospitality industries.”

“That Hayley was one of two students from TAFE NSW Hamilton – a site with a student-operated cafeteria and restaurant – awarded a Trevor Drayton Scholarship, speaks volumes of the talent produced locally.”

Trevor Drayton Scholarship Fund spokesperson Peter Drayton said, “Our scholarships give local people a boost to achieving their career goals and we support them through our many industry connections. We were impressed with the comprehensive scholarship submission provided by Hayley, who shows great commitment and consistency in applying herself to the food industry. We wish Hayley all the very best with her continued journey and hope to see her achieve well into the future.”

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Kristy Sheppard, TAFE NSW Media & Communications Business Partner, 4923 7784 or 0407 450 860.