National Trade Teacher of the Year announced Thursday November 8, 2007 Marion Fitzpatrick from Northern Sydney TAFE in Ryde, New South Wales, has been named the National Trade Teacher of the Year for her training and mentoring work in the Hospitality industry. The big announcement was made at an awards ceremony overnight. Marion Fitzpatrick beat 17 other trade teachers, and walked away $10,000 prize money. $5,000 of which was awarded as a cash prize and $5,000 for developmental activity or programs that will contribute to industry and teaching. Video: Watch some footage of Marion in action The Trade Teacher of the Year Awards have been developed by The Institute for Trade Skills Excellence and are in their inaugural year. They recognise excellence in training and teaching across eight industry groups. Making the announcement at the awards ceremony in Hobart overnight, the CEO of the Institute for Trade Skills Excellence, Brian Wexham, said that Marion won the prestigious award for her outstanding commitment to developing young chefs and improving the quality of teaching offered in the hospitality sector.  "Marion is one of those people you meet who instantly motivates and excites you and it is clear that she has done this countless times for her students, many of whom have gone on to achieve greatness in the cookery filed." Marion has created training packages and acted as a mentor for students at TAFE NSW. She has also coached students in the Olympics of WorldSkills and developed innovative training packages for the Australian NAVY, Telstra Stadium and Corrective Service training in jails.  She was praised by her colleagues, students and the judges for her ability to adapt her teaching and training packages to accommodate student and industry needs. According to a reference from the manager of TAFE NSW Worldskills, - ‘Marion has worked tirelessly to ensure students have the best possible chance to succeed in their endeavors whether it be producing a plate of fine food or gaining recognition throughout their studies.' She has developed e-learning resources and individually designed training packages for students and industry development: not only helping individuals to excel, but also promoting the hospitality industry at the same time. Mr Wexham also said that Marion enjoys helping students achieve their goals. "Marion regularly adapts her teaching strategies to accommodate student diversity and needs and also shares her expertise and the insight she gained from many years working in the industry", said Mr Wexham. Marion plans to use the prize money to identify, record and share best practice models. She says that her interest and current passion is developing training programs and packages for rural and regional areas of Australia.

Careers in Commercial Cookery For information about careers in commercial cookery, including brochures, posters and access to a Chef Hotline please click on the logo below.   Industry Facts and Figures For an example of the latest up to date industry statistics, facts and figures. Please follow the link below. Click here for example statistics Would you like to purchase the entire report at a special discounted rate for teachers? If so please please follow the order form link below. Download the Statistics Order Form HERE

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Networking through Restaurant & Catering Australia As a hospitality teacher, are you looking at ways to share ideas and information? Restaurant & Catering Australia would like to facilitate this process through the use of the Association web site. You will be given access to a bulletin board on the website which will allow you to share ideas, ask questions, recommend resources and provide any information you feel could be valuable to other teachers. By registering for this service, you will also be on a database for Restaurant & Catering Australia to contact you with offers of professional development opportunities in the industry. Be one of the first fifty hospitality teachers to register for the teachers network and, you will receive free two posters on Workplace Health & Safety and Food Safety, including free postage. They are Restaurant & Catering Australia Guide to Food Safety & Hygiene 2003/04, and an excellent resource to have on display in your kitchens. For more information, or to register, please contact Karen Jack either by email Karen Jack or call on 02 9966 0055

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Preparing Your Students for their Work Placement   Restaurant & Catering Australia have developed a presentation for you to deliver to your students to help prepare them for work placement. The presentation has been specifically tailored to the restaurant and catering industry, and looks at among other things, ways to prepare students to make a positive impression and meet the expectations of employers. The presentation comes in the form of a powerpoint presentation along with supporting notes and information pages. To receive a copy of the presentation please contact Karen Jack either by email Karen Jack or call 1300 722 878 (Option 2)

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A Recipe for Change - The Future of Commercial Cookery in Australia A Recipe for Change is a report commissioned by the National Industry Skills Initiative and was published during July 2001. The report looks into the future of Commercial Cookery in Australia and suggests that the industry broadly requires an additional 2000 cooks. The report has been written for a wide range of audiences including education providers and career advisers, it is intended that it should help increase and deepen awareness and appreciation of the industry. In the appendices of the report there is some interesting research on employer, employee and student findings. There is also a Strategic Action Plan and Recommendations for overcoming the current staff shortages in the industry. Link to the Report on-line HERE Link to the Bulletin Board

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Restaurant & Catering Australia National Magazine Subscribing to the National Magazine is an excellent way to ensure that you have the latest up to date relevant information about the industry. Additionally by subscribing to the R&CA National Magazine you will also have access to a fortnightly industry update newsletter called Restaurant Bites, and other important industry information for your students. Click on the link below to download a subscription form. Download a Subscription Form HERE

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The Waiting Is Over - a report into the skills shortage in the hospitality industry The purpose of the National Skills Shortages Strategy - Food and Hospitality Project research and report is to look at the breadth and depth of skills shortages currently being experienced by the hospitality industry in Australia. Download a copy of the report - the waiting is over HERE