HOSPITALITY student Kyle Maslen was preparing to graduate from Newman Senior Technical College when he was handed a golden opportunity.

During a lunch service in 2017 the school’s hospitality teacher, Charles James, pulled Kyle aside and offered him a four year contract with the school, three of those as a full time apprentice chef.

So impressive was Kyle as a student, the school could not bear to see him leave.

“I was completely stoked. I didn’t know what to do after year 12 and had nothing lined up,” Kyle said.

“Leaving school and then coming back has been different. I’m more of a leader now. I get to help out students who were in the same place I was a year ago. It has given me a lot of confidence.”

The opportunity to learn under his former teacher Mr James, an outstanding chef in his own right, is one he is not taking lightly.

“Charles has been really good. Learning off him and being able to appreciate it at the same time is fantastic,” he said.

“He has helped me out so much. He often keeps me back later just to give me extra tips. He also helps me with the business side of a restaurant.

“I’m really motivated to learn new things everyday.”

Kyle’s goal is to own his own restaurant after travelling Australia learning under the best chefs in the country.

Mr James said giving the school’s first apprentice chef position was one Kyle had wholeheartedly earned.

“He’s a great kid, he works hard, he applies himself and he really wants a career in this area,” he said.

“His main strength is his hard work and his resilience in terms of having another crack if he makes a mistake.

“He’s here early every day and he’s not bothered about doing the extras. I think we have really picked a winner with Kyle.

“Hopefully the apprenticeship is something we can continue at the school as the industry conditions here are perfect for up and coming chefs.”

Sourced from Port News: https://www.portnews.com.au/story/5431869/kyles-culinary-talent-a-recipe-for-success-video/