Qualification: Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
School: Gungahlin College
RTO: Access Recognised Training
Employer: Pavilion On Northbourne
Khoa Dang Nguyen is a Year 12 student at Gungahlin College undertaking a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery with Access Recognised Training. Working as an apprentice chef at Pavilion on Northbourne, Khoa successfully balances secondary studies with workplace learning and hands-on industry experience.
After discovering the Head Start program in Year 11, Khoa reignited his passion for cooking and found a pathway into the hospitality industry. As Gungahlin College's first student to undertake an Australian School-based Apprenticeship, Khoa has become a strong advocate for vocational education and training, encouraging other students to explore the opportunities it can provide.
Through his training, Khoa has developed valuable culinary, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Beyond the kitchen, Khoa has represented his school and the ACT in sport, served as House Captain and volunteered as a sports coach.
Looking to the future, Khoa hopes to study engineering while continuing to explore new opportunities. By embracing both vocational and academic learning, Khoa is building a strong foundation for the future while demonstrating to other students that success can be achieved through a variety of pathways.