GOTAFE bakers and chefs shine on international and national stages
Read about what our baking and cookery staff and students have been up to lately.
GOTAFE’s baking department has recently been excelling both locally and internationally, with four standout achievements highlighting the talent and dedication of its trainers and students.
In a major international honour, GOTAFE Trainer and Assessor Baking Kim Banfield has been selected as an International Expert for Baking at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai this September.
Drawing on his 47 years of industry experience and over 30 years at GOTAFE, Kim is mentoring a competitor from Hunter TAFE ahead of the prestigious event, having already supported the national team at a recent training camp in Canberra.
“I love seeing how creative these young people are,” Kim said.
“Their passion for the industry is infectious.”
Kim also brings prior international experience, having served as a workshop manager at the 2018 WorldSkills in Abu Dhabi.
Closer to home, Kim and fellow GOTAFE Trainer and Assessor Baking Stephen Pinnuck were once again invited to judge at the Great Australian Pie Competition in Sydney.
Long-time contributors to the event, the pair judged alongside 16 others, assessing over 1200 entries, including 50 sausage rolls in a single day.
Their ongoing involvement underscores GOTAFE’s strong industry ties and expertise in artisan baking.
Third year Certificate III in Baking (FBP30521) apprentice Jake Taylor also recently represented GOTAFE at the national Excellence in Baking finals during the 2025 Baking Industry Trade Show in Sydney.
Jake earned his place at nationals after success in the state finals earlier this year.
Jake, who works at Hungie Fangs Artisan Bakery in Cobram, continues to build an impressive resume, with his workplace recently earning accolades including Overall Winner Gourmet Game Pie - Rustic Rabbit at the Great Aussie Pie Competition and two first-place titles at the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph.
Jake credits his success to support from both his employer and GOTAFE trainers
Lastly, on September 23, GOTAFE’s Teacher Commercial Cookery Jess Rae led four GOTAFE Shepparton students to a Bronze Medal in the Club Chef Team Cookery Challenge at Holmesglen in Moorabbin.
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) students Tessa Woodman, Hazael Baria, Jorja Ponton and Elouera Walker received an overall score of between 70-80% to secure their medals.
Jess - as well as Teacher Commercial Cookery Karan Bisht - helped the students train with a variety of ingredients after hours for eight weeks leading up to the competition for them to be as prepared as possible for the Challenge.
On the day, in their team of four, the students were given a mystery box of ingredients and had an hour to plan a three-course meal before preparing and presenting their dishes over almost three hours of staged cooking time.
These milestones highlight GOTAFE’s commitment to excellence in baking education, pairing real-world industry experience with hands-on student support to create the next generation of skilled professionals.
Community members looking to take the next step in 2026 can now enrol with GOTAFE.
With expert teachers, strong industry connections and career opportunities in demand across regional Victoria, GOTAFE gives you the skills and confidence to succeed.
With GOTAFE, YOU’VE GOT THIS – applications for Semester 1, 2026 are now open.
Enquire today by calling 1300 468 233 or visiting www.gotafe.vic.edu.au.