Culinary students off to Switzerland

Culinary students off to Switzerland

Whanganui UCOL chef students Ziek Hudson and Lee Cameron have a busy few weeks ahead as they fundraise and prepare for a five week long exchange to Switzerland.

Ziek and Lee are also competing in the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition, New Zealand’s premier student cookery and food service competition, immediately before their departure on 28 August. Ziek will be part of the Whanganui UCOL Toque d’Or team at the National Culinary Fare in Auckland, and Lee will be competing in an individual event.

During their time in Switzerland, the second year Culinary Arts students will attend Gewerblich-Industrielle Berufsschule, a vocational school in the town of Zug.

Two exchange students from the Swiss school will arrive in Wanganui on 8 August and will also be part of the nine strong Culinary Arts team that will attend the National Culinary Fare in Auckland.

Tim Snape, Programme Coordinator for Culinary Arts, says the experience will be invaluable for all trainee chefs involved. “There’s nothing quite like an overseas exchange to open one’s eyes. This exchange is a wonderful opportunity for the students to experience education through the eyes of a different culture and gain a better awareness of global cuisine.

“Ziek and Lee will sample a whole new world of cuisine. They will learn how to cook traditional Swiss dishes, while attending classes at the vocational school and gaining work experience at various food establishments in Zug.

“The two Swiss students coming to Wanganui will get a good taste of New Zealand culture and cuisine. They will attend classes at Whanganui UCOL’s Culinary School, as well as gaining work experience at local food establishments. They will also have a stint of work experience in Wellington,” he says.

Whanganui UCOL and Swiss partners Gewerblich-Industrielle Berufsschule have been jointly running the exchange for ten years now. “We have a great relationship with our Swiss partners and previous exchanges have been extremely successful,” says Tim.

Each year Whanganui UCOL students completing the Certificate in Advanced Culinary Arts Level 4 have the opportunity to put in an application to go on the exchange. Students are interviewed thoroughly and two are selected based on their attitude, attendance and ability.

Whanganui UCOL chef students fundraise each year to go on the Swiss exchange. Fundraisers include making and selling hot cross buns, a food stall at Central Districts Fieldays and various other functions throughout the year.

Ziek and Lee will hold a fundraising Brunch on 2 August at Whanganui UCOL’s restaurant to help support their Swiss culinary adventure.

ENDS

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