A mid-life career change has proved the ticket to success for Kangan Institute culinary student Charith Jayanerra.
The Fawkner resident was crowned Australia’s culinary student of the year at an awards ceremony held in Adelaide last month.
Before enrolling in Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows-based culinary course, Mr Jayanerra was a nurse.
“I knew something was missing in my life,” he said.
“I’ve always had a passion for cooking, but I didn’t have the guts to do the course.”
But a bit of encouragement from his wife to pursue his dreams helped him quit his job and enrol in Kangan’s TAFE course.
Mr Jayanerra was previously named Victoria’s top student from a field of 80 contestants hand-picked from the state’s TAFEs and training agencies.
Asked what separated him from his competitors, the Sri Lankan-born student put it down to years of travelling, a short stint living in Japan and a “curious palate”.
“Some chefs don’t like trying different sorts of foods, but I’ll try tongue, snake, whatever, and try to bring a different twist to it when cooking.
“But I didn’t think I’d make it to the top in Victoria, let alone Australia.”
Despite taking out the nation’s top- apprentice award, Mr Jayanerra doesn’t finish classes until later this year.
After graduating he plans to travel with his wife before opening his own café near the city.
