Employer: Loganlea State High School
Subject Area: Cookery
Erin Pender is a cookery and hospitality educator at Loganlea State High School, combining extensive industry experience with an unwavering commitment to student success. A former apprentice chef, Demi Chef, Sous Chef and Head Chef, Erin brings authentic workplace expectations and contemporary industry practice into both practical and theoretical training.
Erin established the STAR Hospitality Excellence Program, creating structured pathways for students undertaking a Certificate II in Cookery and Hospitality. Through family function nights, showcase dinners, enterprise projects, masterclasses, work placements and industry workshops, students gain valuable real-world experience and professional skills.
Erin has maintained long-term industry partnerships, providing students with authentic learning opportunities and meaningful industry connections
Her trauma-informed and culturally inclusive approach supports students with diverse abilities, backgrounds and learning needs.
Through strong relationships with families, employers and industry, Erin helps students develop the technical skills, professionalism and workplace experience needed to succeed across hospitality, tourism and related industries.