Best on a plate

Noble Park’s Colin Wilson was named Victoria’s top apprentice and will now represent Victoria in the Australian Training Awards in Brisbane.

By Nicole Williams
THREE years ago Colin Wilson decided to ditch engineering for food and the risk paid off when he was named Victoria’s top apprentice this month.
The Noble Park father-of-two was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards ceremony at Crown Palladium on 2 September.
“I was so shocked I nearly fell off my chair,” Mr Wilson said.
“It’s good to get some recognition for your efforts.”
Mr Wilson, 38, was looking for something he was passionate about when he started his commercial cookery apprenticeship with Holmesglen TAFE three years ago and hasn’t looked back.
“I have always tried to do things I enjoy and I was just looking for something different,” he said.
“It worked.”
Since beginning in the industry Mr Wilson has worked with well-known chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Neil Perry and Michelin Star chef Thierry Marx.
He now works at Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley.
“My executive chef Mathew Macartney came with me on the (awards) night and he was pretty pleased.”
Inga Peulich, State Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region and Parliamentary Secretary for Education congratulated Mr Wilson on gaining due recognition for his outstanding achievement.
“Mr Wilson and other award winners not only gain recognition for their outstanding achievements, they get the opportunity to increase their profile and gain valuable networking opportunities with senior industry and business leaders,” Ms Peulich said.
“These awards not only celebrate achievement, they also play a key role in fostering excellence in vocational education and training, which itself leads to a more highly skilled workforce.”
The title came with $10,000 in prize money which Mr Wilson said would be put towards some more schooling and equipment.
He is looking forward to representing Victoria in the Australian Training Awards held in Brisbane in November.
“I will do my best and hopefully get that one as well – not sure if I will get to take on the world after that!”