An Apprentice Story at the Keppel Bay Sailing Club

When it comes to ambition, Niki Clancy-Whelan takes the cake (excuse the pun).  Starting her apprenticeship at the Keppel Bay Sailing Club a little over three years ago, she has now graduated and become a fully qualified chef. 

We recently caught up with her to hear about her journey to become a chef and what she plans for her future.

CTA: What Inspired you to become a chef?

Niki: It is a funny story; I fell in love with cooking when I was in school, I was put in the wrong class by accident and my passion for food started from there.  It is not an easy trade specific skill to master, and I liked the challenge.  I also enjoy that food can give people an emotional connection and make them happy.

CTA: What is your best dish?

Niki: My gluten free black forest cake is my specialty.

CTA: We hear that you have started a new initiative for apprentices at the Keppel Bay Sailing Club, so can you tell us about it?

Niki: I have started a new idea we call “Apprentice Night”. Every Thursday night from 5:30pm our apprentices produce a two-course meal for only $25.00. 

We produce some great food, for example last Thursday we did an Entree of Chorizo Croquettes OR Cheesy Chicken Balls and a Main of Balsamic & Orange Chicken Breast OR Crispy Skin Barramundi. 

It is a great opportunity for the apprentices to showcase their skills whilst providing a great value meal for our patrons.

Some of the delicious dishes on offer at the Keppel Bay Sailing Club Apprentice Night

CTA: What are your plans now that you have become a fully qualified chef?

Niki: My next step now is to keep learning and extend my qualifications and study to be a Pastry Chef and a Baker.

We wish Nikki all the best with her future endeavors and we will be watching her career developments closely.

Contact CTA Training Specialists to Learn More and Join our Family of Happy Clients and Students!