Student thrives under contest pressure

South West Institute of Technology commercial cookery student Kiri Walsh will represent WA at next year’s Australian Worldskills competition after taking out the regional qualifier on Friday.

In her third year at SWIT, Miss Walsh beat nine other students to claim first place in the high pressure environment of a competition kitchen.

Students were required to prepare a three course meal under the watchful eye of four Worldskills judges who assessed competitors on safety, hygiene, wastage and quality of cooking.

“I decided to enter for a bit of fun but found I really enjoyed the stress of it all,” Miss Walsh said.

“I felt like I had everything under control most of the time but definitely muddled up a few things, especially towards the end of the day.

“I also haven’t had much experience with making pasta which formed part of the entree so I found that difficult.”

SWIT commercial cookery lecturer Allan Potaka said he was proud of the efforts of each of the students who took part in the regional qualifier.

“I was really impressed that everyone taking the commercial cookery course put their hand up for today,” he said.

“The students are given a set combination of ingredients and then have to design and cook a three course meal while being constantly watched by the judges.

“It’s no easy task.”

Miss Walsh is now hoping for a strong performance at next year’s National Worldskills competition which could see her boarding a plane for Global Worldskills in Brazil in 2015.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to go to the nationals and going to Brazil would be an amazing experience,” she said.