Stefania's success

WorldSkills Australia

Like the Olympics, WorldSkills Australia competition activity begins at grass roots level, in competitions held in one of 34 regions around Australia. Competitors are able to progress to competing at national and international levels, in front of over 200,000 people. That’s gold!  More than 50 trades and skills from seven skill clusters are represented at a WorldSkills competition. Learn more about competition skills.  Competitions are designed by industry and skills experts who assess an individual’s knowledge, practical competence and employability skills against a set of strict criteria. Every two years, more than 500 Regional Competitions are held in 35 regions across Australia. They test the skills and knowledge of 4000+ apprentices, trainees and students, who have the chance to win gold, silver and bronze medals and go on to compete at a national level. 

This week, our very own Stefania Miceli of Year 11 competed in the third heat of the Sydney Regional World Skills Competition in Commercial Cookery.  It was the first time Stefania had attended anything like this. 

Stefania settled in quickly and began to familiarise herself with the kitchen and other student competitors before the cooking began. There were some hair raising moments where equipment didn't work as intended, food wasn't doing what was expected and injuries were had but everyone survived and all meals were presented exceptionally well. 

Stefania's meal was well received, seasoned well and tasted amazing. The bruscetta duo was mouth watering, the moist chicken and fluffy duchess potatoes where matched with delicious buttery carrots and zucchini rounds, whilst the almond polenta lemon cake was perfectly browned, moist and refreshing. The meals were served by students competing in the Food and Beverage section where precision place settings and mocktail making were all important!   Once the scores were tallied and the judges had time to discuss the outcome everyone was given feedback and congratulated on their personal achievements before the place winners were announced.

Everyone was patient and the room was tense until they finally announced the winner - Stefania Miceli from Cecil Hills High School.  Congratulations Stefania - we're very proud of you.

Stefania competed against eight other students from various schools.  We're now eagerly awaiting information on the upcoming regional finals.

A Byron, Hospitality teacher