Four years ago, Luca Barthelmes was a school student with a passion for food. Today, he’s a qualified commercial chef bringing his skills and passion to his role at Bright Brewery.
For Luca, the journey from Bright P-12 College student to qualified chef has been built around a combination of hands-on experience, a supportive employer and workplace-based training with AVTES.
Luca began his Certificate III in Commercial Cookery in 2022 as a school-based apprentice, combining his studies with practical experience at Bright Brewery.
Learning in the real world
For Luca, the appeal of hospitality started early.
With several talented cooks in his family, food and creativity were already a big part of his life. After starting out as a kitchen hand at the Wandiligong Pub, Luca moved to Bright Brewery, where he began his apprenticeship.
The brewery quickly became more than just a workplace.
According to Luca, the team at Bright Brewery “are awesome: they have been very supportive over the last three and a half years.” Even his mother agreed “Luca’s really happy with the brewery: they’ve been like a family to him and looked after him.”
That support from an employer is a critical part of a successful apprenticeship. While the apprentice is working towards a nationally recognised qualification, they are also developing the practical skills, confidence and workplace habits that come from being part of a real hospitality team.
As Selina Blair-Holt from Bright Brewery put it: “He brings a great vibe to work and we’re absolutely stoked to see him reach this milestone”
“A huge shoutout to our entire kitchen team for teaching, training and support along the way.
“It takes a village to raise a chef and we’re really proud of this one!”
Training that happens where the work happens
Alongside Luca’s experience at Bright Brewery, AVTES provided the structured training and assessment required to complete his Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
Rather than taking Luca away from the workplace for traditional classroom-based training, AVTES’ workplace-based model allowed his training to be connected directly to his day-to-day work.
The workplace provides the environment and opportunities to develop practical skills. The apprentice applies themselves, builds their knowledge and completes their training requirements. And the AVTES trainer provides guidance, support and assessment throughout the journey.
And according to Luca, his trainer “Luca Bocchi from AVTES has been the best guide and trainer throughout the whole journey.”
So, what’s next?
For now, Luca is continuing to work at Bright Brewery.
But he has big plans for the future.
Next year, he plans to travel for several months. “Maybe I’ll do a season in Japan or Italy in winter, we’ll see how it all pans out,” he says.
“Long-term, maybe I’ll open my own restaurant.”
Whatever comes next, Luca leaves his apprenticeship with more than a certificate. He has several years of practical commercial kitchen experience, the skills developed through his workplace and the confidence that comes from being part of a supportive hospitality team.
And that is exactly what a great apprenticeship can provide.
Want to talk apprenticeships for your venue?
Call Chris at AVTES
0457 771 334