Nguyen is a student at North Regional TAFE’s Broome(opens in a new tab) campus studying SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. Born in Vietnam, Nguyen’s goal is to become a chef and cook international cuisine. He’s confident that what he’s learnt in his course will give him the necessary skills to achieve his dream career. In this blog, Nguyen shares with us his experience living in Broome.
Why did you choose your course at TAFE International Western Australia?
I love cooking, I love making bread and I love making foods from around the world. My mum told me that if I love food then I should be a chef.
I found out about TAFE in Western Australia (WA) as it came highly recommended by a friend. I also wanted to study in WA because it’s similar to Vietnam, there’s only a one-hour time difference and they also have similar weather.
Once I learned that TAFE is a government school with high quality training and friendly teachers, it was an easy decision to make.
What are the best things about your course?
The lecturers and staff have been really helpful. When I arrived, Ms. Susan Gray the Jobs & Skills Employment and Training Coordinator showed me to the location of each classroom on campus and my Lecturer, Ms. Rhonda Richardson has always been so friendly and enthusiastic.
In the classroom, the lecturers are very knowledgeable and very experienced. They teach me everything about food and the equipment. The kitchen is really nice, very big and modern with lots of equipment.
The best things I learned in my studies was knowledge about safety when cooking as well as learning how to cook a wide variety of dishes. The course has helped me gain essential skills in cooking, preparing me to be able to work as a chef.
What has been a highlight from the course?
Helping at the Sunset Long Table Dinner(opens in a new tab) in Broome was a really good experience. This was a sold-out dining event hosted on Cable Beach that was on for one night only in September. Celebrity chef Khanh Ong curated the menu and we got to help him and the caterers from Spinifex Brewing prepare the meals.
It was very fast paced, and we made a lot of food from mains to dessert such as fried barramundi, meats, bread and ice cream. The experience really helped me to work faster and better. From doing this, I believe I now know how to work as a chef.
How long have you been living in WA?
I have been living in Broome for 12 months now. I’m really enjoying life in Broome. It’s similar weather to my hometown in Vietnam and there’s lots of things to do on the weekend.
On my weekends I enjoy going to the beach, visiting the blue lagoon and rock pools at Coconut Well (opens in a new tab)and I often go camping with friends. I’ve made a lot of friends here.
Have you found a job in Broome?
I’m currently working at a restaurant in Broome. This has been great as it allows me to practice the skills that I’ve learned in the classroom. I really enjoy working at the restaurant.
Any advice for students considering studying a course at TAFE in Western Australia?
I would highly recommend studying at TAFE in Western Australia. Before you choose your course, you must consider which industry matches your passions and interests.
Choosing North Regional TAFE is an easy choice to make. It’s high-quality education with enthusiastic and friendly teachers. The teachers take good care of their students. The location is nice with good weather and there’s lots of restaurants. And for those who want to study cooking, there’s great facilities, fantastic teachers and plenty of jobs available in the region.
Want to find out more about studying abroad with TIWA? Get in touch today for help navigating your career and study journey.