VET DSS leads James to find his passion in food

The opportunity to try a VET DSS course in the food industry has turned into a rewarding career for James Donald.

“School wasn’t really for me. I wasn’t enjoying it and I thought doing a VET subject at South West TAFE might help me get a job,” he said.

James started a Certificate II in Hospitality in Year 10 and then went on to complete a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, before finishing school and gaining an apprenticeship at Timboon Distillery.

“I really enjoyed it. I had no clue what I wanted to do and I had no plans of going to uni so I thought I’d give it a go."

“Cooking was my favourite subject at school and I thought it would be a good trade if I wanted to travel,” he said.

He is now in the third year of his apprenticeship and has a passion for baking desserts and sweet treats.

The skills he learned during his VET DSS course helped him to move seamlessly into the workplace and into an apprenticeship.

“It’s a great thing to do. The teachers are very helpful and you end up with a certificate at the end which really helps to gain work.”