Lecturer keeps the skills of the local hospitality industry sharp

A Charles Darwin University (CDU) Lecturer in Culinary Arts is helping those in the Northern Territory hospitality industry to keep their skills sharp by assisting them to practice infrequently used cooking techniques.  

Jason Wilkes an accomplished chef with over 35 years’ experience, has been teaching at CDU for over 17 years and is currently a Lecturer in Culinary Arts, teaching the students the various skills they will need once they enter the hospitality industry.

“I really enjoy what I do and there are always ups and downs, but I get a big buzz from seeing our students who were so nervous in the beginning walk out the front door ready to face the sometimes-challenging world of hospitality,” Mr Wilkes said.

Mr Wilkes not only teaches, but also stays in touch with industry needs, in particular offering support for local business who are just starting out and providing skills refreshers to chefs working in businesses in Darwin on an ad hoc basis.

This is something that all of CDU’s Culinary Arts Lecturers do within their individual industries, providing refreshers on things such as how to fillet a whole fish, boning out sides of a lamb and other poultry and plating for example. 

“If employers of our students or apprentices approach us for assistance, we are all more than happy to help. This goodwill keeps our industry strong and our relationships even stronger,” Mr Wilkes said.

“It is important that we stay in touch with industry needs and provide support where we can. It is a two-way street as businesses are often looking for apprentices and through these relationships that we build we can help our students get work down the track.”

Mr Wilkes has recently collaborated with the Berry Springs Tavern to provide its chefs with a refresher in how to fillet a whole fish and other infrequently practiced culinary techniques.

Berry Springs Tavern owner, Leah Sloan, who is also a CDU cookery alumni, said she was grateful for Mr Wilkes’s ongoing support of her business and willingness to help train her staff.

“Jason is an amazing support for myself and my cookery staff,” Ms Sloan said.

“He is always available for students even after they have graduated and is always willing to go the extra mile to support businesses and the industry.

“We recently had one of our chef’s wanting to refresh some of her skills that she doesn’t use frequently, and Jason was willing to help out and assist with this.

“A number of our staff attended this session with Jason, and it was so valuable to have his skills and knowledge to help us be the best chefs we can be,” she said. 

Since opening in 2014, the Berry Springs Tavern has employed 12 CDU cookery graduates.

“The CDU graduates that have joined us here have all been exceptional staff with some going on to win awards and participate in cooking competitions,” Ms Sloan said.

“We are really thankful for Jason and the team at CDU for their ongoing support.”

For more information on CDU’s culinary arts courses see here.