NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Blayde Hopper knew when he left school he wanted to work in the hospitality industry.
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He searched around his local area for potential employment, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia, it put his job search on hold.
"It was a difficult time for me when the coronavirus forced businesses to close, because this was the industry I really wanted to work in and was most passionate about," Blayde said.
Once Hospitality venues were allowed to reopen, Blayde was back applying straight away and quickly secured a Chef Apprenticeship with help from a local job service provider.
"I was signed up to ETC's Yes Chef Apprenticeship Program and I'm really enjoying it. My role involves prep work before service and then during service I make salads and do some cooking. Hemmingways Bar and Grill is a great venue to work at," he said.
Blayde said his family were really proud of him for securing his first full-time job.
"My family is so stoked for me. I've enjoyed trying out new stuff (cooking) at home and talking about my day with them," he said.
Blayde is undertaking a three-year apprenticeship and hopes to be a head chef one day.
"Life is very busy at the moment between work and study - but it's totally worth it!" he said.
"All my training and assessment is completed on-site. It's really handy being able to demonstrate real life things in my workplace to my trainer. Plus ETC helped pay for my new work uniform which was nice."
Blayde said despite the current pandemic he feels safe to go to work.
"There are a lot of hygienic practices in place, especially in the hospitality industry. I just really enjoy working, so the experience is worth it," he said.