TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (10:09): I rise today to congratulate Pippa Macpherson on taking out the Apprentice of the Year award at the Apprenticeship Employment Network Apprentice Training Awards last Wednesday. Pippa is a phenomenal young person who I have had the pleasure of meeting on multiple occasions through her apprenticeship at the Davidson restaurant with the Gordon TAFE in Geelong. Cooking has always been a passion of Pippa’s, and after being encouraged by her nan and aunty, Pippa began a certificate III in commercial cookery at the Gordon TAFE, which led her to undertaking her apprenticeship with their fantastic training restaurant. When talking to Pippa about her work, her passion is truly contagious. With a focus on pastries and desserts, Pippa loves experimenting, trying out new recipes and is always up for a challenge in the kitchen.
This is not the first time that Pippa has been recognised for her talents. This year Pippa was named Apprentice of the Year at the Gordon Awards for Excellence and nominated for a Victorian Training Award. In September Pippa received her first gold medal, placing highest overall in the third-year section of the Australian Culinary Federation’s National Apprentice competition in Sydney. Pippa, congratulations on all that you have achieved so far. Your passion and commitment to cooking are undeniable. I cannot wait to see what you do in the future, and I thank all of your trainers for the commitment that they have demonstrated.