Aspiring Pilbara chefs handle kitchen heat

Six aspiring young Pilbara chefs took part in a pressure-cooker competition last week for their chance to represent the region in the annual Worldskills challenge next year

Jennifer Allen won the challenge in which six hospitality students prepared three dishes to be presented to the four judges on hand.

Keelee Hills, Alyssa Dyson, Isabella Cuzzola, Toni Hokianga and Lily Leacy each served up quality dishes throughout the competition as well.

After winning the local round, Allen now has the chance to go to Melbourne next year to represent the North West.

Hospitality lecturer Nickie Ralph said each of the students deserved to be congratulated.

“We had meltdowns, nerves and moments of joy,” she said.

“Today has been a tough day for the six students and a long day for our wonderful judges.”

Tambrey Tavern chef Bradley Ball, one of the guest judges on the day, said he was impressed with the students’ personal interpretations of classic dishes.

“I was amazed with the diversity in the dishes they put out,” he said.

“It is just good to see people of this age take an interest in cooking.”

Fellow judge and Onyx on Sharpe chef Jon Conway said it was good for students to get a taste of trades at an early age.

“In my day we didn’t really have the opportunity to learn much at school before we went into trades,” he said.

“It is good to see the facilities they have here, I was a bit surprised by the kitchen.”

Mr Conway said the students showed good technique throughout the cook-off.

Also competing for a ticket to Melbourne for the national competition were 20 electrical students. Tyler Sharp came first among a strong field of students, with Max Balding and Nicholas Prisk coming second and third.