Aspiring female chefs guided by industry leaders through TAFE NSW Program

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A group of talented female chefs are set to graduate from the TAFE NSW Tasting Success program, an initiative designed to fast track their careers through hands-on experience and expert mentorship.

It comes as the industry has witnessed a 15 per cent rise in female representation, with women now making up approximately 40 per cent of all culinary professionals in Australia. Head Chef roles, previously overwhelmingly occupied by men, are now around 36 per cent women.1

Commencing in 2006, the TAFE NSW Tasting Success mentoring program connects standout cookery and patisserie students with top industry professionals, providing them with hands-on experience and career-building opportunities, such as:

  • Working shifts in their mentor's restaurant, including leading restaurants such as Margaret and Bloodwood

  • Attending masterclasses

  • Receiving career advice and networking with industry leaders

Last year’s eight mentees marked the completion of the program at a graduation event at TAFE NSW Ultimo on 11 March 2025. Pictured L to R are Graduate Matilda Woodward, Co-Founder and Patron Lyndey Milan, Graduates Kim irish and Kim Cheong, TAFE NSW Team Leader of Commercial Cookery Sheridan Marz and Graduate Bindaray Greenup. Vashista Sagar, Dimitra Mougios and Adelaide Cuneo also completed the program but were unable to attend the graduation.

1 https://aussiecareerinsights.com/female-chefs-in-australia-kitchens/