Nestlé Food technologist and process specialist, Lynda Jesser, remembers winning the inaugural Vocational Student of the Year Award in 1994 as if it were yesterday.
“I remember the nervous excitement about being on stage, seeing the huge crowd, watching presentations of other nominees. I remember thinking it couldn’t be me.
When my name was called out I was shocked! “Looking back, I think it hit me, right in that instant, that my future was about to be transformed!” Lynda said.
In the days before mobile and instant messaging technology, Lynda remembers her family’s wonderful reaction to the win.
“My family who were with me just couldn’t stop smiling. It was a huge moment for me, but equally as exciting for them. My Nana and Grandpa were listening to the awards night on the radio. Nana knew I’d won well before I even got a chance to ring and tell her!” Lynda said.
In the 19 years since she won the national title for her outstanding achievements in her Associate Diploma of Food Science and Technology, Lynda has had a dynamic and diverse career, much of which she credits to being known as the best vocational student in Australia.
“At the time, the prize was a scholarship contribution to study in my chosen field, anywhere in the world. I took full advantage of such a once in a lifetime opportunity and I completed an Associate Diploma of Confectionery at the renowned ZDS College in Germany,” Lynda said.
Upon returning to Australia, Lynda found a career with Nestlé, where she still works to this day.
“I have loved every minute of my career with Nestlé. I’ve had career opportunities that I could never have thought possible, I’ve been able to live and work in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and have held various roles across Nestlé locations within Australia,” she said.
Lynda thinks that being part of the Australian Training Awards, and winning, contributed greatly to her career path with Nestlé.
“Most certainly without the award, my career outcome might have been different. In the mid-1990s, trainee food technologist positions were few and far between, and competition was high. Being able to attach my winner’s certificate certainly provided me with a point of difference to other applicants, and I got the job!” Lynda said.
Lynda still credits the win at the Australian Training Awards as her most life changing career moment to date.
“I have to consider that the biggest life changing moment was winning the Vocational Student of the Year because it was then, in my life, I transitioned from a qualified trade chef cooking food in kitchens, to a brand new career with Nestlé in the food manufacturing industry,” she said.
“I had no idea until I was part of it, the extent of recognition the Australian Training Awards provided. I took part in radio, newspaper, and television interviews. The exposure also led to me receiving the Australian Centre for Leadership for Women’s Memorial Award for Achievements by Women in the Workplace.
“But what I remember the most is that the Australian Training Awards provided me with unbelievable career opportunities, the chance to meet some amazing people, and great memories for the rest of my life,” Lynda concluded.