GOTAFE student wins local business award
GOTAFE Commercial Cookery student Jono Chan is balancing study with running an award-winning business.
Jono is a part owner of Elsewhere at SAM, which was recently awarded ‘Best New Business (under two years)’ at the SPC Greater Shepparton Business Excellence Awards.
As one of three co-founders of the cafe, Jono says it was a pleasant surprise to have his business recognised.
“It was pretty surreal honestly,” he said.
“It wasn’t really something we were aspiring for…it was nice to be recognised.”
Jono’s passion for cooking started as a child – from making his own breakfast each day to watching MasterChef Australia with his family.
"Mastering my first sunny side up eggs was definitely a highlight."
At the age of 25, Jono decided to finally pursue his passion for cooking and enrolled in a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821).
“I’ve loved getting to meet new and like-minded people,” he said.
“Everyone is so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do.”
Jono’s love of people extends beyond the walls of GOTAFE, surrounding himself with “people who are passionate about the industry.”
“At Elsewhere, we have curated a team of really enthusiastic and passionate people,” he said.
“A lot of it happened organically, but we did create some ongoing positions for people we loved working with.”
No two days at Elsewhere at SAM look the same for Jono – one day he might be helping in the kitchen, and the next he might be supporting his team with administration tasks.
To those considering a career in the commercial cookery or hospitality industry, Jono says “don’t be afraid to try something new.”
“If you can’t get the foot in the door with traditional job application processes, try job trials, work experience and find somewhere that feels good.
“If it’s definitely a path you want to pursue, you will find a way.”