Among a feast of activities being served up, TAFE NSW Nowra students and teachers competed in a test of barista skills and hold cooking masterclasses.

Apprentice chefs put their skills to the test in the Master Chef-style, Heart Foundation Cook-off.

The showcase was held a day prior to the annual Celebrity Chef Degustation Dinner featuring Colin Fassnidge, Justin North and Warren Turnbull.

While the dinner is set to attract some of the nation’s finest chefs, who work with commercial cookery students, the showcase also drew award-winning chefs and industry experts.

Winner of two Chef’s Hats and owner of Regional Restaurant of The Year, Aubergine, Ben Willis travelled from Canberra to judge the Heart Foundation Cook-off.

Fellow Chef’s Hat winner Nick Gardner also hosted a pop-up restaurant, along with TAFE NSW Nowra graduate Brent Strong, Head Chef at Bangalay Dining.

To gain hands-on experience, commercial cookery students will work alongside the visiting chefs, while Diploma of Events Management students will host the event.

TAFE NSW Hospitality Teacher, Amanda Maynard, said the showcase started as a way for TAFE NSW to showcase student skills as well as the services and products of industry partners.

“Over the years the day has evolved into a community and hospitality industry event. Guests will be able to learn from cooking demonstrations, sample local food and beverages and enjoy lunch cooked by the guest chefs and commercial cookery students,” she said.

This year’s showcase will incorporate a travel expo, with My Travel Expert staff working alongside the TAFE NSW Nowra events management department.

My Travel Expert Co-owner Leonie Clay said students would gain experience in seeing how to run a travel-tourism event.

She also has plans for exclusive travel offers on the day. 

“We have invited our key partners to showcase youth-travel including; U by Uniworld, Topdeck, Contiki and Unleashed, an oranisation that specialises in programs for Schoolies,” Ms Clay said.

“We have a good connection with TAFE NSW Nowra. One of our staff enrolled in a traineeship and ended up working in international travel with Contiki.”