THE knowledge that there are not enough gender balance in the commercial kitchen environment has prompted the industry to introduce Master Class Fiji in a bid to promote more females in the field.

The Coliseum managing director Valentin Corchado said the Master Class Fiji was where executive chefs helped develop professionals — their attitude, skills and learning capabilities — through various culinary demonstrations.

Mr Corchado made the statement as he congratulated the Australia-Pacific Technical College’s (APTC), national trainer for commercial cookery, Alisi Delai for successfully competing in the Master Class Fiji cooking competition that recently concluded.  

A statement from APTC said Ms Delai was part of a group of 12 outstanding Fijian female chefs, who successfully competed in the competition organised by the The Coliseum, which is an events and travel company, to encourage more women to pursue a profession in the culinary field. 

Ms Delai was second placed and said she was delighted to have had the chance to participate in the competition.

“It was a wonderful experience. I competed with other female chefs who have their own challenges, responsibilities and amazing stories to tell. 

“I learned a lot during this competition, which will come in handy, especially when I conduct training for future chefs,” she said. 

The participants were judged on key areas including preparation of equipment and food, use of right cooking methods and instructions, as well as presentation and taste of the different dishes they prepared.

Mr Corchado said he was proud to see the support of APTC in training more culinary professionals through its Certificate III in Commercial Cookery program. 

APTC is an innovative development project funded by the Australian Government, delivering Australian-standard skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workers across the Pacific

This is the second time APTC has participated in a Master Class Fiji event. Earlier this year, Ms Delai and APTC’s Patisserie Trainer, Amanda Young conducted a patisserie class at the first 2017 Master Class Fiji event, where they prepared an “edible garden” dessert using blown sugar and other ingredients.