Polytechnic students fly into silver medals

Four Bay of Plenty Polytechnic students have a lot to smile about this week after walking away with silver medals from the annual Waikato Culinary Fare.

The annual fare hosts a number of cooking and hospitality competitions ranging from barista skills to cocktail making and live kitchen challenges. Competitors from across Waikato and Bay of Plenty converged to test themselves against other secondary and tertiary students as well as against those already working in the industry.

The Diploma in Tourism (Flight Attending) students, Alaijah Kaitai, Jordan Woodhouse, Qiannan Chen and Jessie Middlemiss, were the only ‘first-timers’ in the Table Setting competition so it was a real coup to obtain silver medal  status. In preparation for the event the students picked up a large number of practise sessions outside normal class time with tutor Betty Ormsby.

“We didn’t think we would come anywhere,” said Jordan Woodhouse. “We were doing it for the experience so to win was amazing!”

The Table Setting competition is detail-laden with competitors tasked with a tight 45 minutes to clean their table and chairs, arrange a table cloth, polish all cutlery and glasses, dress the table and complete four different napkin folds.

The girls each scored a well-earned 89% and were delighted to receive silver medals for their efforts. Judges commented that the Polytechnic students performed well above their expectations for first-timers.

“They told us we had set a very high standard,” Jordan commented.

Alajaih, Jordan, Qianna and Jessie entered the competition with hopes of gaining experience and that something ‘extra’ for their CV, believing it vital to be able to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

Betty Ormsby agreed it was a great way for the students to show they were up to employment.

“If no one gives them a chance how can they prove themselves? The challenge has proven they have the ability to do an awesome job.”

All four Polytechnic students have been invited to progress to the Auckland National Competition where Betty believes they could go all the way.

“All the girls have the right attitudes to achieve success and I wish them the best.”

Good luck ladies!