Bearded Dragon has cemented its reputation for hospitality in the Scenic Rim Tamborine since 1997. The Hotel has played a key role in shaping the future of young students looking for a career in hospitality. A successful business is built on the commitment of the team it employs and Bearded Dragon understands the importance of providing our current local youth with employment opportunities that will set them up for a rewarding career in the hotel industry and beyond.
The Tamborine business has a TEAM ETHOS with a commitment to CARING which is integral to hospitality and the morale of staff. A brilliant example of the Bearded Dragon support of local youth training is Kiarra Turner. Kiarra Turner started as a casual on school holidays and weekends at the Tamborine venue learning all aspects of food and beverage in the restaurant before being offered and apprenticeship 12 months ago.
Emmaus College year 12 student Kiarra Turner has been awarded the runner up in the cookery category at the 2016 Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Salute to Excellence Awards.
She missed out on top spot by one point.
Kiarra and eight other Queensland students were recognised for their dedication to excellence in food and beverage, cookery and tourism training.
Kiarra is currently completing her certificate three in commercial cookery and is an apprentice at the Bearded Dragon Hotel in Tamborine.
The award a good head start because these are the kinds of awards that employers are looking for, she said.
I am still doing my OP which can be difficult to juggle but my work are really good about it.
Ten shortlisted finalists had to complete a theory and practical skills day as well as an interview with judges Celebrity Chef and Gateway Schools Chef Matt Golinski and Franklyn Scholar Cookery Teacher from Aanat Abdelhak.
Mr Golinski was very impressed with Kiarra�s practical skills during the test and offered her a round of work experience.
Kiarra enjoys cooking contemporary desserts, so the practical assessment of creme brulee was right up her alley.
I would say to anyone that could handle the stress should consider taking up and apprenticeship.
QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the awards program highlighted the importance of vocational education and training among secondary schools across Queensland.
Emma ODonnell, Albany Creek State High Schoo, Mia McLeish, Kirwan State High School, Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Kate Jones, Caitlin Davis, Albany Creek State High School, Alexandra Rayner, St Monicas College, Cheyne Millington, Kirwan State High School, Kiarra Turner, Emmaus College.
Salute to Excellence program encourages these graduating students into forging a rewarding and successful career in their chosen industry, he said.
The high calibre judges of the Salute to Excellence program gladly share their knowledge with participants.
This is a highly valuable and critical element of the program where judges provide constructive feedback, encouragement and insight into how students can best shape a career in tourism or hospitality.
Learning and training leader for vocational education and training Jennifer Vaughan said she had recognised Kiarras skills during year 10 food technology.
The growth has been there since year 10, she said.
We have seen that through her two silver medals in the Australian Culinary Federation cookery competition prior to this year.
Head of college 7 to 12 Stephen Adair said the school was extremely proud of Kiarra�s achievement.
Our trade training centre provides real world training and it fulfills our philosophy of individual pathways for students, he said.
Bearded Dragon started Kiarra on the team on a casual basis for over 18 months as a food and beverage attendant learning the ropes of hospitality on weekends and school holidays. This led to securing a Cooking Apprenticeship as it was obvious to the business that this young Tamborine local was destined for the kitchen and soon learning how to cook up a storm.
Kiarra has thrived in our kitchen and under the direction of our great chefs and team leaders she has taken all the great learning opportunities that Bearded Dragon has instigated and given full commitment, we could not be any prouder. Says Monique Gregory on behalf of the Bearded Dragon.
