Experienced Vocational Instructor skilled in teaching and resource development within the hospitality industry. Recognised for fostering strong relationships with industry partners and students, enhancing collaboration, and delivering impactful educational programs that align with industry standards.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Patisserie/Commercial Cookery Trainer & Certificate III Resource Development & Workplace Officer
Academia Institute
Melbourne, Australia
01.2022 - Current
Cultivated industry partnerships through strong relationship-building efforts.
Secured new industry partnerships to expand collaboration opportunities.
Consulted on TAS documents to ensure compliance and quality standards.
Liaised with hospitality host partners to coordinate internship placements.
Allocated students to five-star hotels, enhancing their practical experience.
Organised trainer orientation sessions for effective intern integration.
Ensured compliance with all WHS requirements for internships.
Developed and updated assessment tools to align with new training package criteria.
Director
Itsy Bitsy Chef
Port Melbourne, Australia
07.2013 - 06.2022
Designed and developed a personal website with engaging content.
Collaborated with City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip on community initiatives.
Featured in Herald Sun, Mama magazine, and Port Phillip for contributions to local cooking programs.
Produced YouTube content with Big Review TV to enhance visibility.
Created a cooking program for children, incorporating benchmarks and skill levels.
Catered for birthday parties and special events, ensuring high-quality service.
Conducted online classes for corporate clients, including Bulla Cream and law firms.
Managed GST reporting and BAS statements, maintaining compliance.
Site Manager
Compass for Genazzano FCJ College
Kew, Australia
12.2011 - 06.2013
Recruited staff to enhance operational efficiency in daily operations.
Prepared up to 280 meals daily with limited kitchen equipment.
Developed and costed new functions, tuck shop, and borders menus.
Compiled budget reports and forecasts to support financial planning.
Executed stocktaking to ensure accurate inventory management.
Conducted in-house training to elevate team competencies.
Generated profit and loss reports while managing site billing effectively.
Performed labour costing to optimize staffing resources and reduce expenses.
Vocational Instructor
Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly NMIT) and Carrick Institution of Education
Preston, Australia
06.2007 - 12.2011
Conducted food safety lectures for groups up to 50 students.
Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse vocational subjects.
Facilitated hands-on training sessions to enhance practical skills.
Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback.
Monitored student performance and provided constructive feedback consistently.
Encouraged critical thinking skills in students during problem-solving activities.
Collaborated with school administrators, counsellors, and parents on student success strategies.
Maintained accurate records and documentation for validation purposes.
Head Chef, Sous Chef & Chef de Partie Roles
Various (The George Café, Young & Jackson, Peter Rowland, Strathlynn Vineyard Tasmania, Quay West Auckland, The Sebel of Melbourne, Fedele’s)
06.1995 - 06.2010
Managed up to 20 staff while ensuring operational efficiency in high-pressure environments.
Trained staff to uphold food safety standards and enhance service quality.
Conducted inductions for new employees to facilitate smooth onboarding.
Served as first aid officer, maintaining safety and compliance protocols.
Developed menus and organised recipes to streamline meal preparation processes.
Prepared hundreds to thousands of meals and desserts in catering settings.
Demonstrated strong time management skills to meet tight deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of adult education and vocational education - with specialisations
Charles Sturt University
Sydney
12-2026
Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management - Sydney, NSW
Achievement Institute Australia
Sydney, NSW
01.2024
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment - Melbourne
Box Hill Institute BHI
Melbourne
03.2021
Certificate IV in Hospitality - Commercial Cookery
The Gordan
Melbourne
Certificate III in Hospitality - Patisserie
Melbourne Polytechnic
Melbourne
Certificate IV in Hospitality Administration/ Management - Melbourne
Box Hill Institute BHI
Melbourne
Skills
Curriculum development
Effective communication
Student assessment
Relationship building
Occupational health and safety
Training delivery
Student mentoring
Expectation alignment with partners
References
Andrew Shepherd, Senior Chef Development - Own Brand COLES, asandec@dodo.com.au, 0438 012 109
Ben Wade, Academia Director of VET, benw@academia21.com, 0412 267 034
Murray Twaits, Creative Director & International Program Director, murraytwaits@gmail.com, +66 633 569 988
Matt Merrin, Director Bridgewater JAM restaurant, mattmerrin@jamcorner.com.au, 0411 693 333
Bioinformatics Core Manager at Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia SinicaBioinformatics Core Manager at Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica
Manager Engineer - Wrap Production Support & RADA at INSIGNIA Financial ServicesManager Engineer - Wrap Production Support & RADA at INSIGNIA Financial Services