Luke’s future served up on a plate thanks to CQU and Hummingbird Café

By Greg Chapman

Luke Waltham’s life has been “turned around” since he took on hospitality studies at CQUniversity, with the 19-year-old recently securing an apprenticeship at Hummingbird Café in Rockhampton.

Luke said his first step to changing his path was attending an open day at CQU earlier this year.

“I had no idea what I wanted do, but then I went to the open day at CQU and saw hospitality. I never even thought of it as an industry I'd work in but after talking it through I thought it might be good and after doing it for a little bit I realised I love it,” he said.

“The people I've met while doing this are similar to me which made it easy for me to connect and work with them.”

He said his new role came about thanks to his teacher, Adrian Newby.

“While I didn't do my work placement at Hummingbird Café, it's entirely because of my teacher Adrian that I am able to work at the Hummingbird Café. It's been amazing - it's as though I've found where I'm supposed to be,” he said.

“I'm working the hot section on service and the preparations to ensure a smooth day. I’m working on getting faster and more efficient every day. The hot section is a high-pressure environment where timing is everything.”

He said the skills he’s acquired at CQU TAFE helped him get an idea of what he needed to be doing in his new role.

“For example, knife skills, mise en place and temperature control. It was also a great help learning to make hollandaise sauce (I wasn't very good the first time, but I've definitely gotten a lot better since),” he said.

“I am ecstatic to be working at Hummingbird. I love making food that not only tastes amazing, but also looks beautiful. It's so satisfying making a meal that I know people will enjoy and I'm excited for the future at Hummingbird.

“CQU has completely turned my life around and after a remarkable year I'd tell anyone in a heartbeat to enrol if they want to further their education, gain more experience and have an impactful future.”

For more information visit cqu.edu.au/tafe