media CNR Apprentice Ambassador Steps it Up… with MasterChef Judge Gary Mehigan AUGUST 11, 2016 | SAF News Nathan Taverner is taking his role as apprentice ambassador to a new level. Recently Nathan sat alongside celebrity chef Gary Mehigan and Good Food Guide editor Myffy Rigby to help judge finalists’ dishes at Citibank’s in-house version of MasterChef. These are dizzying heights for the 19-year-old apprentice, who has been on a long journey to realise his dream of becoming a qualified chef. For Nathan, the moment was three years in the making, with support and mentoring along the way. Nathan participated in the Citi New Recruits job-ready program for aspiring apprentice chefs in November 2013. Back then he was shy, unsure, and lacking in confidence. After a three-week hands-on pre-apprenticeship program, followed by a week’s work experience in a commercial kitchen, Nathan landed his apprenticeship at the Sebel Resort and Spa in Hawkesbury. With the guidance and support of executive chef Pavan Kapoor, Nathan has spent the last three years building his culinary skills as well as his “Nathan has persevered and pushed Watching him motivate and inspire confidence. During his apprenticeship, his way though his apprenticeship. youth joining the program today, it’s Nathan has won two TAFE culinary The chef at the Sebel really helped hard to believe that it was Nathan cook-offs and has been hosted in first bring his confidence out,” said sitting in that seat just three years ago, class kitchens. Last year, he received a Nathan’s mentor Lisa Lee, Trainee and uncertain and shy. Skilling Australia Foundation scholarship Apprentice Manager at WPC Group. to Melbourne, where he was placed Nathan aspires to open his own at Hellenic Republic and had the As an ambassador for Citi New restaurant one day. In the meantime, opportunity to meet the restaurant’s Recruits, Nathan travels to high he plans to follow the sound advice he owner, top chef George Calombaris. schools sharing his experience and got from master chef Gary Mehigan: encouraging other young people to “Travel, and cook.” With close support from his industry pursue apprenticeships. consultant, Nathan will obtain his Certificate III in Commercial Cookery in late 2016. www.saf.org.au.