Alice Springs students fill top spots in Worldskills final

Charles Darwin University students from Alice Springs have filled the top three places in a competition designed to highlight excellence among Territory high school students who are preparing for the hospitality industry.

Vocational Education and Training in Schools Hospitality student Skyla Stewart (St Philip’s) took top honours in the Worldskills Australia Food and Beverage NT final in the Desert Lantern restaurant at Alice Springs campus on 4 October.

In winning the final, Skyla becomes eligible to represent the NT at the yet-to-be confirmed VET in Schools component at next year’s nationals.

CDU Lecturer in Hospitality Franco Mure said all nine students received positive feedback from judges and customers.

“They performed strongly under the combined weight of a real restaurant situation, and industry judges, reflecting a high standard across the board,” he said.

“It is a competition that Alice Springs students have traditionally excelled in, having picked
up minor placings at previous national Worldskills finals.”

Mr Mure said each student had to fulfil eight tasks related to serving a three-course luncheon.

“Tasks included the setting-up of a table, greeting and seating guests, docket writing and the serving of the meal, coffee and other beverages.

“It’s a competition designed to showcase food and beverage service skills in school students preparing for the hospitality industry.”

Second place went to Maxim Buckley and Ashleigh Owen, both from Centralian Senior College.