From the Philippines to Brisbane: Kingpee Edillor’s Journey to Becoming a Head Chef
Kingpee Edillor’s dream has always been clear — to become a Head Chef. Coming all the way from the Philippines to Brisbane, he started his journey in April 2023, enrolling in our SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (CRICOS Course Code: 10682H) at our Brisbane campus. Fast forward to October 2024, and Kingpee has not only completed his course but also has taken important steps toward making his dream a reality.
As part of the course, all students are required to complete 360 hours of vocational placement, where they gain real-world experience in the industry. Kingpee’s placement has taken him to South Bank, where he works at Vici, a popular Italian restaurant known for its wood-fire pizza and authentic contemporary Italian dishes. This placement has been a turning point in Kingpee’s career, and he’s been eager to share his experience with us.
What's the best part of finishing your placement?
Kingpee beams when he talked about the experience: “The best part of my vocational placement has been the positive feedback I’ve received. They are really happy with my performance at Vici, which is an incredible feeling. In fact, they offered me a part-time role as a kitchen hand, and I’m now in charge of handling breakfast service, essential taking on the role of Chef de Partie. It feels amazing to be trusted with such responsibility, and I’m hopeful that I’ll be promoted to a permanent, full-time position soon.”
For Kingpee, this is more than just a job; it’s a chance to learn, grow and prove himself in a real kitchen environment. His dedication is already paying off, and the recognition he’s receiving from the Vici team is a testament to his hard work and passion for the craft.Â
What advice would you give to any students interested in studying Kitchen Management?
Looking back on his journey, Kingpee has some words of wisdom for anyone thinking about pursuing a career in the kitchen: “If you want to get into cookery, the most important things you need are patience and focus. It’s not an easy path. There will be times when it feels tough, but what matters is your determination to keep going. Stay focused on your goal, and be patient with yourself. With hard work and perseverance, you can make it — especially if you’re studying here in Australia.”
Kingpee emphasises that the road to success in the kitchen is full of challenges, but with the right mindset, you can overcome anything that comes your way.
Can you share any memorable experience or highlights when studying at ÍáÍáÂþ» College?
When asked about his time at ÍáÍáÂþ» College, Kingpee reflects fondly on his experience: “I’m so grateful that I chose to study at ÍáÍáÂþ» College. It might sound cliche, but I don’t just see them as a school — I see them as a family. They’ve supported me so much, especially during the times when I needed it the most. The student support services are always there for us, and the trainers are so approachable and understanding. They really care about our success. I’ve always felt like I was in good hands, and that made a huge difference in my journey.”
For Kingpee, the college wasn’t just a place to gain technical skills; it became a supportive community that helped him every step of the way. The personal connections he made with the trainers and staff have had a lasting impact on him, and he’s incredibly thankful for the guidance he received.Â
What would you like to say to your fellow students or to future students coming to study in Australia?
Finally, Kingpee shares an encouraging message for anyone currently studying or planning to study in Australia: “My advice to all students, whether you’re in the kitchen, or any other field, is to stay focused and keep working hard. There will be challenges, and things won’t always go as planned, but that’s okay. Every setback is a lesson – it’s not there to stop you, but to help you grow. Stay focused on your goals, and no matter how tough things get, you will eventually see the fruits of your labour. Just remember: the journey might be difficult, but it’s worth it.”
Kingpee’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence, hard work, and the support of a community. With his eyes set on the future, he’s one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a Head Chef, and he’s exciting for what’s next.
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