Student Profile

Daniel Martin - Diploma of Commercial Cookery

A successful chef and caterer, graduate Daniel Martin completed his Diploma of Commercial Cookery at TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute's Ryde College.

A true artist when it comes to creating a feast for others, Daniel now runs his own catering business, Centaur Catering with business partner Christof Brandon.

Centaur Catering specialise in canapé cocktail parties, sit-down degustation menus, and three and four course meals with matching wines.

Daniel chose his qualification and study route very carefully as, originally an international student; he knew he would have to make a significant financial investment.

"There are many hospitality schools in Sydney, however Commercial Cookery at Ryde College is renowned for being the best. Why settle for anything less!'" said Daniel.

Nenad Djuric - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Since beginning at TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute Ryde College, Nenad has enjoyed one success after another.

An A-grade student sporting a fantastic talent for working with food, Nenad received the TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute 2008 Apprentice Student of the Year award, and more recently received a gold medal at the 2008 National WorldSkills competition.

After completing his apprenticeship at popular Est Restaurant, Nenad moved on to become the Commis Chef at the Park Hyatt in Sydney.

Nenad is now considering further study and hopes to attend the International WorldSkills Championship in Canada, 2009.

Kavita Faiella - Certificate IV in Hospitality Supervision - Food & Beverage

Consider this - your work requires you to live on an island complete with pristine white-sand and shimmering blue-green crystal waters, a 30-minute seaplane trip away to the nearest town.

Working with an extensive international wine list, you meet guests from all over the world who share your love of fine food and wine. This became a reality for Ryde College graduand, Kavita Faiella who is now employed as a sommelier with the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island. 

Kavita completed the Certificate IV in Hospitality Supervision - Food & Beverage (Sommelier strand) in 2006.

Kavita's interest in a career as a sommelier evolved over time. Working in several cafes while at university, she then secured a job in a top Sydney restaurant. This proved to be a formative career move gaining her further practical experience and the mentoring support of her employers who noticed her interest - particularly in the sommelier role. At their suggestion, Kavita enrolled in the sommelier course at TAFE NSW.

"I never realised that TAFE would specialise in a sommelier course, which is something I am passionate about," says Kavita.

"The course is very industry-focussed and I like the fact that TAFE maintains close links with industry," says Kavita.

Veronica Sahabu - Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management

TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute, Ryde College welcomed back former TAFE graduate and Hospitality student Veronica Sahabu for the recent Career and Course Expo held in November 2007.

Veronica completed the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management last year, before entering UTS to study a Bachelor of Management in Tourism and Hospitality.

A determined student from the very beginning, Veronica had a heart felt desire to work in the hospitality industry. Not sure which pathway of study to follow however, Veronica set out to investigate study and career opportunities at TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute.

“After high school I definitely knew that I wanted to go onto tertiary education in hospitality, so I applied for both TAFE and University to keep my options broad,” said Veronica. “When choosing a TAFE course, the Advanced Diploma at Ryde College was my first preference as recommended by the careers advisor and also family friends. I had heard it specialised in Hospitality and was well recognised in the Industry.”

During her time at TAFE, Veronica began working at the Novotel, Olympic Park as a Food and Beverage Attendant and since TAFE has moved to a Receptionist position.

Now a student at UTS, she says TAFE provided her with the practical skills she needed to excel with Tertiary study.

“Studying at TAFE gave me concrete skills that I could apply in the work place, and I feel that both studying and working in the industry have complemented one another,” she said. “TAFE prepared me for university through providing me with foundational knowledge, priming my academic and research skills, and experience working in group learning environments.