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    Tasting Success Program

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    Welcome to the award‑winning TAFE NSW Tasting Success Program. This program supports women to build new skills and prepare for leadership roles in the hospitality industry.

    About the program

    The Tasting Success Program goes beyond developing cooking and patisserie skills. We offer masterclasses and mentoring to inspire and empower women to thrive in the hospitality industry.

    The program aims to:

    • build and fast‑track your culinary skills
    • foster personal growth
    • equip you for leadership roles.
    Apply now

    Early beginnings

    Since its launch in 2006, renowned chef and co-founder Lyndey Milan has led the Tasting Success Program.

    In 2023, we used the Connecting Women to Trades Grant (round two) to expand the program to regional NSW.

    Culinary excellence

    The Tasting Success Program offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, including both masterclasses and mentoring. This program goes beyond building cooking and patisserie skills. It’s  designed to inspire and empower women to thrive in the industry and become future leaders and mentors.

    The program focuses on showcasing possibilities, highlighting best practice across the industry and celebrating Australia’s finest produce. You’ll advance your culinary skills, develop your professional goals, enhance personal growth and build valuable connections within the industry.

    Key features include:

    • expert‑led masterclasses for all students
    • 35 hours of personalised mentoring for female students
    • emphasis on using high‑quality Australian produce
    • opportunities for networking and mentorship.

    The mentoring component of the program is available only to students who identify as female. This helps encourage greater female participation in leadership across the culinary field.

    The masterclasses are open to all students, regardless of gender. This supports skills development and helps address workforce retention challenges across the industry.

    Recognition and awards

    The Tasting Success Program has received widespread recognition, including winning the Best Innovation Training Initiative award from Tourism Training Australia in 2023.

    This achievement affirms our commitment to supporting women in trades. It has also attracted interest from industry professionals and organisations beyond the culinary field, including tourism and travel agencies.

    A group of women sit in a modern kitchen setting, watching two chefs demonstrate cooking techniques. The room is bright with natural light from large windows, and the chefs are surrounded by fresh herbs and ingredients. The kitchen features sleek white tiles, stainless steel appliances, and wooden chopping boards. The audience observes the chefs closely as they prepare food on a counter.

    Program mentors

    The Tasting Success Program is proud to collaborate with some of Australia’s most respected chefs and culinary professionals. Our mentors bring extensive experience and knowledge to the program, offering guidance and support to our students.

    Previous mentors have included:

    • Alex Herbert
    • Brent Savage
    • Christine Manfield
    • Claire Van Vuuren
    • Kylie Kwong
    • Lisa Margan
    • Mark Best
    • Martin Benn
    • Matt Moran
    • Naomi Lowry
    • Neil Perry
    • Vanessa Harcourt

    These industry leaders share their expertise to inspire the next generation of culinary professionals.

    Many of our graduates describe the program as life‑changing, with its impact extending well beyond skill development. The experience has transformed careers and propelled some participants to national recognition thanks to the invaluable skills and networks developed during the program.

    Eligibility

    To be eligible for the Tasting Success Program, you must be enrolled in a commercial cookery or patisserie course. To apply, you need to have completed at least one semester of study and be 18 years of age or older.

    We welcome applications from apprentices, provided they have discussed participation with their employers. However, being an apprentice is not a requirement – all commercial cookery and patisserie students are encouraged to apply.

    Note: The mentoring component of the program is open only to students who identify as female. All students, regardless of gender, can apply to join the masterclasses.

    A group of chefs and students from TAFE NSW, dressed in black aprons and chef uniforms, stand proudly behind a beautifully set dining table. The table is adorned with elegant tableware and a eucalyptus leaf arrangement, ready for a formal dining event. The group is posing in a well-lit, modern room, with a background featuring artwork and minimal decor.

    How to apply

    Applications are open during term one each year. There is no limit on the number of students who can apply for the program.

    To get started, email the Tasting Success Program coordinator to request an application form.

    Email us