Holly Ashworth

Holly Ashworth’s (’17) journey as an apprentice chef and how Loreto inspired her to follow a unique path and remain driven in a fast paced industry.

To begin Old Scholar Stories for 2021, LOSA would like to recognise Holly Ashworth’s (’17) journey as an apprentice chef and how Loreto inspired her to follow a unique path and remain driven in a fast paced industry.

Holly in her own words:

Since leaving Loreto in 2017, a lot has changed. But the underpinning values and principles learnt during my time there have not. My education inspired me to follow my own individual path and has lead me to where I am today; a third year apprentice chef.

When I think back to my time at Loreto it is with fond memories. I absolutely loved my time at school and, in particular, the friends I made there and the Rowing program that I became heavily involved in. While at Loreto I was given the opportunity to explore many subjects, but Food Studies, Visual Art and later on Business were the ones that I developed a keen interest in. My passion for these subjects has greatly contributed to where I am today.

Some of my very first memories of cooking involve standing on a stool at the kitchen bench to cook alongside my Mum and Grandma. Since a young age my passion and love for food continued to grow, as did my interest in cooking and hospitality.

These experiences formed my love of cooking and when I considered what I would like to spend my life doing becoming a chef seemed like the perfect fit for me. I wish to provide others with these positive experiences and instil in them the same excitement that food brings me.

I completed Year 10 work experience at Stamps Restaurant Mitcham and joined in all hospitality classes at school with great enthusiasm. I developed my knowledge and understanding of the inner workings of a restaurant, the intricacies of plating a dish and enjoyed tasting many new foods. Later on, in 2015, I was hired as a kitchen hand at Stamps and then worked as a cook at Grimaldi’s Restaurant throughout Year 12.

When I graduated I felt confident in where I wanted to go professionally. Travel and food really do go hand in hand and so after working as a cook for several months, in June of 2018 I embarked on a 5-month trip to Europe and the UK with one of my school friends.

This experience was everything I had hoped it would be. Full of learning curves and new experiences as well as being fun, hilarious and full of good food. Upon returning I began my apprenticeship at Stamps Restaurant in 2019. Which is where I remain today completing my third year.

Success to me is knowing that you can always grow and do better. This embodies the attitude I have towards my own career and my desire to experience the vast opportunities available within the food industry. I would love to move to Europe to further my qualifications and feed my passion for travel as my past trips have played a huge role in my appetite for cooking and eating in particular. Food styling and the inner workings of cookbooks and food magazines is another area of the industry that excites and interests me. Long term, I would consider exploring this avenue to delve into, not only for my love of food but also my passion for Visual Arts and desire to share how cooking brings people together.

More recently I was nominated through TAFE SA for Apprentice of the Year in the South Australian 2020 Restaurant and Catering Awards. After completing the application, I was invited as a finalist to the awards night in October of last year. Although I didn’t win it was an amazing opportunity and the chance to be nominated gave me the confidence that I am on the right path.

This nomination also lead me to an article in the Adelaide East Herald and a few TAFE marketing opportunities. Both experiences I jumped at to expand my opportunities and ability to establish myself in the industry.

The opportunities given to me at Loreto played a huge role in leading me on my path. However, looking back on my time at school my development of determination, optimism and attitude towards my professional life and goals is what I want to thank Loreto for the most. I’ve got the teachers, my wonderful fellow students and Rowing community to thank for shaping me into the woman I am and providing me with the skills I need to remain inquisitive and driven in this fast paced industry.