A team of three TAFE NSW Campbelltown hospitality students have received a bronze medal at the prestigious 2019 Front of House Challenge.

Hosted by the Australian Culinary Federation at Australia’s largest food industry event, Fine Food Australia, the competition showcased the best front of house skills from around Australia.

Bringing together front of house teams from hotels, function centres, restaurants and training providers, the competition saw the teams pit their skills against each other and the clock.

TAFE NSW Campbelltown team member, Karen Halse who is currently completing a Diploma of Hospitality Management said, “It is an honour for our team to have received a bronze medal in the 2019 Front of House Challenge. We were up against some very tough competition so to come away with a medal really is a testament to the hard work and training that we undertook with our teachers at TAFE NSW in the lead up to the competition.”

Showcasing their talents live in front of the Fine Food Australia audience, the team were judged on presentation, napkin folding, table set-up, mise en place, wine opening and decanting, meal service and social skills.

Australian Culinary Federation NSW, ACT and Regions President, Julio Azzarello congratulated the TAFE NSW Campbelltown team on their achievement.

“The 2019 Front of House Challenge demonstrates passion and dedication to the industry, which the TAFE NSW Campbelltown team exhibited throughout the competition. It’s wonderful to see a group of students working together and showcasing such a high level of skills in the front of house space.” said, Mr Azzarello.

TAFE NSW Hospitality teacher, Cheryl Coupland said, “I’m incredibly proud of the team and how they performed in the competition. Training for experiences such as these ensure that TAFE NSW students are job-ready with practical skills and work experience.

“To prepare for the challenge, the students would manage services at The Restaurant at TAFE NSW Campbelltown, which is open to the public on Wednesday evenings and Thursday lunches. By doing this they were able to practice their front of house skills with real customers in a real restaurant environment giving them a thorough understanding of what is required.”

The TAFE NSW Campbelltown team included:

To find out more about studying hospitality at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0412 4778 415 emma.cawley1@tafensw.edu.au