Inspired by his family’s culinary roots and the encouragement of his hospitality teacher, Dylan has turned his passion for food into a promising career path — proving that with passion, persistence, and opportunity, you really can go from the family kitchen to a five-star future.

A Passion Born at Home

Dylan’s love for cooking began early, spending countless hours in the kitchen with his mum, experimenting with recipes and techniques. With a grandfather who was a third-generation baker, creativity and a love for food have always run deep in his family.

Inspired by cooking shows like MasterChef, Dylan’s curiosity for professional cooking grew, leading him to explore formal training through the Certificate II in Hospitality at Kelvin Grove State College. Under the guidance of his teacher, Mrs Firoza Jeevaji, Dylan transformed enthusiasm into practical skills — mastering teamwork, culinary techniques, and the art of plating.

From the Classroom to the Kitchen

Those experiences built a strong foundation for Dylan’s next step — beginning his chef’s apprenticeship at the W Hotel, Brisbane. Working in a luxury hotel kitchen, he’s eager to learn from experienced professionals, explore the world of fine dining, and continue developing his craft.

Inspired by Industry

A highlight of Dylan’s journey so far was meeting renowned chef Matt Golinski, who delivered an inspiring cooking demonstration at Kelvin Grove. Matt’s passion, creativity, and advice left a lasting impression on Dylan — motivating him to stay curious, keep learning, and bring energy and innovation to every dish he creates.

Looking Ahead

As Dylan embarks on his apprenticeship, he’s focused on continuing to grow as a chef — honouring his family’s culinary heritage while forging his own path in the world of hospitality.

“I’m excited to work in a luxury hotel environment, explore fine dining, and learn from a team of talented chefs,” Dylan shared. “It’s amazing to see how far I’ve come from cooking at home with my mum.”

Get Involved

Explore opportunities to get students involved in a traineeship or apprenticeship today. Simply email their resume along with the job details to our program team at [email protected].