Apprentice chef to compete with best

The three-day competition, to be held at Perth’s Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 18-20, will feature more than 500 of Australia’s best trainees, apprentices and students competing in more than 50 skill and trade areas.

Laura Mackwell, an apprentice pastry chef at South Fremantle’s Patisserie La Vespa, said she was excited to represent Coolbellup 25 years after the event was last held in Perth.

‘It was a shock to the system when I found out that I was going to compete in the finals,’ she said.

‘It’s been an amazing experience so far and I have learnt so many news skills.’

WorldSkills Australia chief executive Mark Callaghan encouraged people to look at the vocational education and training sector, saying there were many jobs options available.

‘The careers that are offered through a VET pathway are integral to the ongoing growth of the local economy and keep the country competitive at an international level,’ he said.