This week, 24 talented young chefs graduated from the Appetite for Success program, which was launched in NSW 18 months ago. The ceremony was held at Zest, in Point Piper Sydney and celebrated the achievements of participants, their mentors and some special awards from TAFE NSW, Rockpool and New Zealand King Salmon.

Appetite for Success is a personal and professional development program for trade qualified chefs, along with other leaders working across the hospitality industry. It is an innovative industry retention strategy, contributing to long term careers and a highly-skilled hospitality industry workforce. Participants learn not only how to be a better chef but also receive training in financial and business planning. On successful completion they gain a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management.

This year's class are the first to graduate from the program in NSW.  Graduates are listed below:

• Richard Batchelor 
• Stephanie Boyce 
• Angela Bresnahan
• James Fairbank
• Chris Gosen
• Vesna Hrzenjak
• Rebecca Kirk
• Adem Kurcan
• Andreas Langadinos
• Luciano Liguoro
• Alexandra MacLeod
• Jose Malehna
• Sarah Marsh
• Josh Michel
• Thomas Mustafa
• Chris Nair
• Michelle Paschali
• Rebecca Ryan
• Vincentius Sinato
• Anthony Skibinski
• Sally Snowden
• Ben Standing
• Alessia Viscuso
• Courtney White

Three awards were also announced on the night:

TAFE NSW Academic Awards

• James Fairbank
• Sarah Marsh
• Michelle Paschali

The Rockpool Award

• Vesna Hrzenjak
• Courtney White
• Michelle Paschali

New Zealand King Salmon Award

• 1st Prize - Thomas Mustafa
• 2nd Prize - Josh Michel
• 3rd Prize - Courtney White

SkillsOne would like to wish a sincere congratulations to all graduates on their achievements, and wish them all the success for the future.