Staff Spotlight | VET feature

Bronwyn Darke, Café Assistant / VET Teacher

How long have you been part of the St Mary's College community? 

Five years. 

What Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects or qualifications do you teach? 

Introduction to Hospitality and Certificate II in Hospitality at St Mary's College (scroll down the page to find out more). 

What real-world experience do you bring to the classroom? 

I am a qualified chef and have worked in Western Australia and Cairns.

What do you love most about teaching VET? 

What I love most about teaching VET is giving students the freedom to experiment with cooking and discover what they can create. 

What's one piece of advice you'd give a student starting a VET pathway? 

If a trade is what you're excited about, start early. A school-based apprenticeship lets you finish your schooling while getting hands-on experience in your trade, so by the time you graduate, you're already ahead and building your future. 

What's something students might be surprised to learn about you? 

I travelled for a month in Europe with my brother in 2004. 

Quick‑fire questions

Right now, I'm watching, listening and playing…

Watching: AFL – go the Bulldogs!

Listening: P!nk’s latest album.

Playing: Social netball.

About the courses mentioned: 

Introduction to Hospitality is a Year 10-only course that providesstudents with a practical foundation in the hospitality industry, focusing on essential service skills, workplace expectations and safe work practices. Students learn about different sectors of the industry, participate in hands‑on food and beverage activities, and develop core employability skills such as communication, teamwork and customer service. The course prepares learners for further vocational study, including Certificate I in Hospitality and Certificate II in Hospitality, and supports pathways into entry‑level roles in cafés, restaurants, catering and tourism settings.

Certificate II in Hospitality is a nationally recognised qualification that develops job-ready operational skills, including customer service, espresso coffee preparation, food and beverage service, responsible service of alcohol, and safe work practices in hospitality environments. It is available to students in Years 11 and 12.