VU Polytechnic partners with National Indigenous Culinary Institute to support Indigenous students
The National Indigenous Culinary Institute was established in 2012 as a not-for-profit partnership committed to finding and training the next generation of culinary leaders, and is now the leading Indigenous chef training program in Australia. The program fully supports aboriginal students from recruitment, through work ready training and into employment as an apprentice chef in top restaurants throughout Australia.
In early December 2021, Nathan Lovett from NICI contacted VU Polytechnic seeking a training partner in Melbourne, after being informed of its program offerings and partnerships from Western Bulldogs Diversity & Youth Manager, Simon Rodder. In partnership with NICI, VU Polytechnic will be delivering a 10-Day Work Ready Commercial Cookery Program with the first group of students to commence the newly developed program on the 15th of March. The program aims to support indigenous students in their journey to becoming an apprentice chef at top Melbourne restaurants and equip them with knowledge in food preparation, cookery, hygienic practices for food safety and safe work practices.
In addition to this partnership, VU Polytechnic has engaged their partners Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Skills and Jobs Centre, and Western Humanitarian Network to promote and create awareness of the program and ensure its success.
