Apprentice Chef Wins UK Scholarship
Apprentice chef Sam Smith with chef Ian Curley
William Angliss Institute third year apprentice chef Sam Smith has won a scholarship for an international work experience opportunity at Fergus Henderson’s St John Restaurant in London, UK.
As ambassador for the scholarship on behalf of the William Angliss Institute Foundation, head chef at The European, Ian Curley selected the winner from a strong shortlist of four finalists.
Sam Smith is currently completing his apprenticeship at the RACV Club restaurant. He was also awarded the Best Savoury dish at the 16th annual Fonterra Proud to be a Chef Program for his main course dish – a lavender glazed duck with fig, yoghurt and liquorice.
The other finalists for the UK scholarship were Ashley Kinnersly-King, Clarrisa Pabst and Carla D’Andreti who were interviewed and required to cook for a day with Ian at his kitchen at The European.
Ian said he was genuinely delighted by the skill level of all of the apprentices and it was a really tough decision to choose just one of them.
“Working with these talented apprentices I can see the future of our industry is in good hands,” Ian said.
“I had to choose who I thought would be both best suited to actually going to London and whose skill level would offer an advantage to both William Angliss Institute and St John.
“Sam showed me he has all the attributes to make a good career out of cooking and I believe he is well on his way to being one of the best young cooks I have seen - not just in his proficiency in the kitchen but his demeanour as well,” Ian said.
The winner will cook with Fergus Henderson for one month in the second half of 2015.
Sam said he was thrilled to win this scholarship and be able travel to a world class restaurant and cook.
“This will be my first time travelling overseas and I plan to learn as much as I can and hopefully take my career to the next level.
William Angliss Institute Manager for food trades and culinary arts, Mark Agius said the Institute worked hard to provide world class opportunities for its apprentices.
“With our strong industry links we are able to offer students first-hand industry training opportunities. This international scholarship to the UK will offer the winning student an extraordinary experience and add great value to their career development,” Mark said.
The scholarship is provided by the William Angliss Institute Foundation which provides educational opportunities and financial assistance to support disadvantaged students in achieving their career ambitions.
19th May 2015
