$3.7 million training facility to welcome Le Cordon Bleu to Brisbane

World class culinary and patisserie training is being added to TAFE Queensland’s menu with Le Cordon Bleu Brisbane Institute being launched today in South Brisbane.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman, along with Le Cordon Bleu’s Chief Executive Officer Derrik Casey and Technical Director Tom Milligan, unveiled the plaque at the launch of Le Cordon Bleu’s partnership with TAFE Queensland at their new home at the South Brisbane campus this morning.

“This fantastic partnership with TAFE Queensland and Le Cordon Bleu will provide Queenslanders with world-class culinary training and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome them to Queensland,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Training opportunities such as this show our commitment to providing the best employment foundations for the growing number of tourism and hospitality jobs in our State.

“We know there will be graduates looking for jobs in hospitality and tourism and this is something the fast growing industry is really excited about.

“I’m also proud that the Palaszczuk Government will support TAFE Queensland and Le Cordon Bleu with $3 million in funding to provide superior training facilities for our future master chefs.

“Combining the collective expertise of TAFE Queensland and Le Cordon Bleu through this ten-year agreement is a recipe for success.

“Queensland’s hospitality sector is vital to our lifestyle, it supports our standing as a tourist destination and is a major employer that makes a big contribution to our economy.

“From July, Le Cordon Bleu Brisbane Institute will train more than 1,200 hospitality students in the next five years to develop their skills and reach higher standards in a range of French culinary techniques and specialities, including gateaux, classic pastries, sauces and canapés.

“The skills and training the students will learn at TAFE Queensland’s Southbank campus will drive our already wonderful café and fine-dining scene into new and exciting areas of food and culture. 

“With a $3.7 million kitchen upgrade underway, students will learn in the best facilities from the best trainers. With the support of employers, we can foster a generation of innovators whose talent and skill can drive our hospitality industry to the next level in the near future.”

TAFE Queensland Interim Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell is excited about introducing a program that will expand educational opportunities for the State’s students and industries.

“Le Cordon Bleu offers a great range of vocational and higher education programs in Australia, and it’s great to partner with a like-minded, highly-respected and credible institute launching at our South Bank campus,” Ms Campbell said.

“These new programs will offer students the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best culinary experts.

“This partnership will give our teachers the opportunity to deliver the Le Cordon Bleu program and support the students with vocational placement direct into local industry.”

Three acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu programs will be offered to students: Diplôme de Cuisine (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery), Diplôme de Pâtisserie (Certificate III in Pâtisserie) and the Advance Diploma in Hospitality Management.

For more information on Le Cordon Bleu Brisbane Institute visit: www.cordonbleu.edu/brisbane/home/en

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:   Inga Williams               0410 769 711