Eumundi Voice Issue 123

THE BUSINESS OF FOOD

The Culinary Academy

With over 200 restaurants, cafes and resorts, Noosa offers practical work experience and opportunities for hospitality students.

But in 2023, desperate for staff following the effects of Covid, many businesses approached Ian Pratt – a Eumundi resident and proprietor of Lexus International Language Schools – hoping his students could fill the shortages and keep the local economy going.

With its motto “for the passionate, the creative and those who are driven to achieve” The Culinary Academy on Sunshine Beach Rd, in 2 years, has attracted hundreds of students from South America, Asia, Europe and Australia, with courses in commercial catering, kitchen management, barista, bar and cocktails, food health and safety, front of house and restaurant management.

With 3 intakes a year, many students choose the complete 104-week course of Cert III and Cert IV followed by the Diploma of Hospitality Management. Specialist courses of 2, 4 and 6 weeks are popular during vacation time, and ensure students are job ready for bar, cocktail, barista or food safety employment.

Many students combine English Language courses while at the academy. The purpose-built classrooms resonate with students from South America, Asia, Europe and Australia: socialising, exchanging ideas, recipes, inter-cultural experiences while improving their English.

Australian students have the opportunity to meet the international world before they venture overseas. Already fully trained, familiar with other cultural cuisines and professional etiquette, they are welcomed into European and Asian restaurants and resorts.

Head Trainer Steve said the tutors for the current 120 students are experienced, local professional chefs or restaurant managers. Classroom theory leads on to kitchen experience and then service areas. A limit of 14 per class ensures one-onone personal training with encouragement to share family recipes, some ending up on the restaurant menu.

Many students find temporary employment with their working holiday visas, with most returning home to full employment on graduation.

Luiz, with 12 years hospitality experience in Brazil, arrived in 2023 with wife Naiara and baby Enrico, planning to spend a year to learn English and meet Australian chefs. The academy opening has extended his kitchen and management skills. He’s met amazing chefs and discovered Asian dishes which he now shares as chef at Tewantin RSL. His family love their new life especially young Enrico who now speaks perfect English with an Aussie accent.

Australia’s recent limits on overseas students and the huge cost of visas is already impacting the hospitality industry. Ian said students are accommodated locally for their temporary stay but Noosa’s lack of evening buses limits work hours, affecting the tourism economy. Without staff many businesses must close early.

Great news for locals – the academy provides a wonderful restaurant serving the students’ supervised dishes, bar and table service with 3-course lunches for just $30 and drinks $5. Only open on non-teaching days. Bookings are essential. Visit: theculinaryacademy.edu.au.