TAFE Gippsland claimed a clean sweep of the major apprentice chef awards at this year's AUS TAFE state finals.
Pitted against top talent from across Victoria's TAFE and private training providers, TAFE Gippsland students took out a golden trifecta to win best first, second and third year apprentice titles.
The results saw Walhalla Lodge apprentice Jessica Fraser-Smith take out the best first year apprentice, while Jennifer Creati (Neilsons Kitchen, Traralgon) and Jesse Payne (The Rusty Gurnard Welshpool) were best second and third year apprentices respectively.
All three students will go on to represent Victoria at the AUS TAFE national finals in Sydney later this year.
Adding more local pride to the mix, TAFE Gippsland culinary trainer Kellie Smith has been named Victorian team captain and will lead the state team at the Sydney International Convention Centre in September.
Several other TAFE Gippsland students also walked away with medals across different categories including first year apprentice at Warragul Country Club Liam Willis.
"This is a huge moment for TAFE Gippsland and for Gippsland hospitality as a whole," trainer and mentor Kellie Smith said.
"After months of training and mentoring from me, to see our students perform so strongly on the state stage is proof of the skills and potential we have in our region."

Right: Celebrating their hospitality success are (from left) Kellie Smith, Jessica Fraser-Smith, Jennifer Creati and Jesse Payne.