Locals looking to launch a successful career in hospitality will be trained by the best in the industry after esteemed local legend and chef, Grant Farrant, landed a teaching role at TAFE NSW. 

Mr Farrant was the owner of popular local restaurant, Como, for 15 years, which was awarded a Chef’s Hat for ten consecutive years in a row – a rare feat in the food industry.  

The born and bred Blaxland local is now delivering hospitality courses at TAFE NSW Wentworth Falls and is encouraging the community to consider a career in the industry.

“When I became a TAFE NSW apprentice in 1991, I never imagined that it would lead to an international career in Italy, Greece and now the Blue Mountains. There are endless opportunities in this industry for students to be successful,” Mr Farrant said. 

His apprentices and TAFE NSW alumni have now gone on to launch careers such as head sommelier at Opera House restaurant, Bennelong, as well as owners of renowned cafés including Penrith’s Henri Marc, Allan Grammar and the new Springwood fine dining restaurant, Arrana.  

Mr Farrant also runs the state-of-the-art TAFE NSW training restaurant with sweeping views of the mountains, where students gain hands-on skills in the kitchen while being mentored by him. 

“It’s a great time to be studying hospitality in the Blue Mountains with local tourism ramping up due to travel restrictions, drawing more people to the area,” Mr Farrant said. 

“In the nationally accredited Certificate III in Hospitality and Cookery, students can expect to learn a solid foundation of operational skills which will prepare them for a career as a function host, food and beverage attendant, barista or gaming attendant.” 

TAFE NSW student and Katoomba local Isabelle Killeen is about to complete the Certificate III in Hospitality and said it has been great learning from a leading chef in the industry. 

“Not many apprentices can say they are trained by someone who has been awarded one of the highest honours in the industry. It’s great to have TAFE NSW teachers that are connected to industry and have extensive knowledge in their field,” Killeen said. 

The 20-year-old is employed at The Oak Brasserie in Leura and said she hopes to launch her own business in the industry one day. 

There are a variety of hospitality courses on offer at TAFE NSW Wentworth Falls including in kitchen operations, cafe skills, and commercial cookery. 

To enrol in a hospitality course visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601. 

Media Contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist.