Nenad Djuric

Cooking

How did you get into the industry?
After completing Hospitality Operations in Years 11 and 12 at High School I decided that with my passion in cooking I wanted to further my studies in the industry so I decided to complete an apprenticeship in Commercial Cookery.

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career to others?
I would definitely recommend the Hospitality Industry and the Cookery trade to other people. If you%27re passionate about what you%27re doing, going to work is always enjoyable.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
I have fulfilled a dream by competing in the WorldSkills Competition. I have always wanted to apply my trade on the National and International arena and through Worldskills I have been able to achieve this dream. Professionally, competing in such a prestigious competition will open new doors in the industry and it has also allowed me to further my studies in the trade and improve my skills as a chef.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
I highly recommend the competition to others as it%27s not only a fantastic experience, but a great way to see where your skill levels are at and to gain new contacts and insight in the industry.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love what I’m doing and the opportunity to work with and learn from so many great chefs in the cooking industry.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
In the short term I’m looking forward to the International Worldskills Competition and completing a course in Retail Pastry at TAFE. In the long term I want to work and travel overseas in particular Europe and one day look forward to owning my own restaurant.

Achievements
Sydney Regional Competition 2007: Gold
National Competition 2008: Gold

Expert

Marion Fitzpatrick

Marion is the head teacher of commercial cookery at Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE, Ryde College the same campus as Nenad. Marion admits she has the ‘gift of the gab%27 and that teaching aspiring chefs was therefore a natural progression. Marion first became involved with WSA in 1995 assisting the judging of a competition. She progressed to judge and design projects for all levels of competition whilst mentoring band training competitors. Her goal is to achieve a medal with Nenad in Calgary and to continue to contribute to the WorldSkills family. Marion also trained Suwanna Rattananikom, bronze medalist in WorldSkills International Competition Japan, 2007.