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    Tasting Success Program

    A group of students and teachers pose together in a professional kitchen. The students are dressed in white chef uniforms. There are tasting plates in front of them on a long kitchen bench.

    Welcome to TAFE NSW’s award-winning Tasting Success Program. This is an initiative designed to upskill and prepare women for leadership roles in the hospitality industry.

    Women in culinary leadership

    TAFE NSW created the Tasting Success Program to encourage women’s participation in the hospitality industry. This is done this through an exclusive mentorship program for women in collaboration with industry professionals.

    The program aims to:

    • develop and fast-track your culinary skills
    • foster personal growth, and
    • equip you for leadership roles.

    Early beginnings

    Since its launch in 2007, renowned chef and co-founder Lyndey Milan has led the Tasting Success Program. In 2023, we used the Connecting Women to Trades Grant to expand the program to regional NSW. However, beginning in 2024, the program will refocus on TAFE NSW students in the Greater Sydney area.

    Behind-the-scenes of the Tasting Success Program

    Culinary excellence

    The Tasting Success Program offers a comprehensive and immersive learning approach, and includes both masterclasses and mentoring. This program goes beyond building exceptional cooking and patisserie skills. It's designed to inspire and empower women to thrive in the industry and become tomorrow’s leaders and mentors.

    The program focuses on showcasing possibilities, highlighting best industry practices and celebrating Australia's finest produce. You’ll advance your culinary skills, develop  professional goals, enhance personal growth and build valuable connections within the industry.

    Key features

    • Expert-led masterclasses for all students.
    • 35 hours of personalised mentoring for female students.
    • An emphasis on the use of high-quality Australian produce.
    • Opportunities for networking and mentorship.

    The mentoring component of the program is only for students who identify as female. This is to encourage more female participation in leadership in the culinary field.
    The masterclasses are open to all students, regardless of gender. This provides upskilling opportunities and addresses the critical issue of staff retention in the workforce.

    Recognition and awards

    The Tasting Success Program has received widespread acclaim, including winning the Best Innovation Training Initiative award from Tourism Training Australia in 2023.

    This recognition has affirmed our commitment to supporting women in trades. It has also gained attention from industry professionals and organisations beyond the culinary field, such as tourism and travel agencies.

    A group of women sit in a modern kitchen setting, watching two chefs demonstrate cooking techniques. The room is bright with natural light from large windows, and the chefs are surrounded by fresh herbs and ingredients. The kitchen features sleek white tiles, stainless steel appliances, and wooden chopping boards. The audience observes the chefs closely as they prepare food on a counter.

    Program mentors

    The Tasting Success Program is proud to collaborate with some of Australia’s most noted chefs and culinary professionals.
    Our mentors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program, offering guidance and support to our students.

    Previous mentors have included:

    • Christine Manfield
    • Kylie Kwong
    • Alex Herbert
    • Mark Best
    • Neil Perry
    • Martin Benn
    • Matt Moran
    • Brent Savage
    • Naomi Lowry
    • Vanessa Harcourt
    • Lisa Margan
    • Claire Van Vuuren

    These professionals share their expertise and guidance to inspire the next generation of culinary leaders.
    Many of our graduates have called the program life-changing, with its impact going beyond skill development.

    Eligibility

    To be eligible for the Tasting Success Program, you must be enrolled in a commercial cookery or patisserie course. These courses are currently running at our Sydney-based TAFE NSW campuses.

    To apply, you need to have completed at least one semester of study and be 18 years of age or older.

    We welcome applications from apprentices, provided they have discussed participation with their employers. However, being an apprentice is not a requirement—all commercial cookery and patisserie students are encouraged to apply.

    Note: The mentoring aspect of the program is only open to female students. However, both male and female students can apply to join the masterclasses.

    A group of chefs and students from TAFE NSW, dressed in black aprons and chef uniforms, stand proudly behind a beautifully set dining table. The table is adorned with elegant tableware and a eucalyptus leaf arrangement, ready for a formal dining event. The group is posing in a well-lit, modern room, with a background featuring artwork and minimal decor.

    How to apply

    Applications are open during Term 1 of every year. There is no limit on the number of students who can apply for the program.
    To get started, email the Tasting Success Program Coordinator to request an application form.

    Apply now