Zoe's Apprenticeship

We are proud to share that Year 12 student Zoe, ex Scottsdale High School, has secured a cookery apprenticeship at Bridport restaurant and cocktail bar St Mark’s. 

Zoe received the apprenticeship offer after participating in work placement at St Mark’s through the Newstead College Pathways To Apprenticeship and Traineeship (PTAT) course. She says the all staff at St Mark’s are “really nice” to work with.

While on work placement, Zoe has been assisting with lunch and dinner service.

“I’ve learned lots,” she said. “All the different platters, and how they’re prepared. I’ve learned that if you make mistakes, you can fix them, and just try to avoid the mistake again. I’ve learned communication skills too.”

“When I was younger, I used to cook all the time with mum … I got a liking for it. So I thought cooking for others would be really nice.”

Zoe’s passion for cooking began early in life.

“When I was younger, I used to cook all the time with mum,” she said. “Sweets and savouries … I got a liking for it. So I thought cooking for others would be really nice.”

Savoury dishes are Zoe’s favourite to prepare, but she enjoys cooking sweets for others.

Zoe’s studies at Newstead College have given a strong start to her career. Having completed the VET Certificate II in Cookery and Bar Operations Short Course last year, Zoe is now furthering her skills in the Barista Short Course and Food and Hospitality Enterprise 2.

“The courses are really good,” she says. “The teachers are so nice. If you need help, they’ll help. And other students will help you too. It’s always ok to ask.”

To students interested in cookery, Zoe says: “Stick with it. Do cooking classes in high school and college to get more knowledge.”