VET DSS leads James to find his passion in food
![James Donald's passion for food has led him to success.](https://swtafe-web-prod.azureedge.net/media/2847/swtafe_cooking250521gw-2-copy.jpg?width=630&height=315&rnd=133051719318370000)
The opportunity to try a VET DSS course in the food industry has turned into a rewarding career for James Donald.
“School wasn’t really for me. I wasn’t enjoying it and I thought doing a VET subject at South West TAFE might help me get a job,” he said.
James started a Certificate II in Hospitality in Year 10 and then went on to complete a Certificate II in Kitchen Operations, before finishing school and gaining an apprenticeship at Timboon Distillery.
“I really enjoyed it. I had no clue what I wanted to do and I had no plans of going to uni so I thought I’d give it a go."
“Cooking was my favourite subject at school and I thought it would be a good trade if I wanted to travel,” he said.
He is now in the third year of his apprenticeship and has a passion for baking desserts and sweet treats.
The skills he learned during his VET DSS course helped him to move seamlessly into the workplace and into an apprenticeship.
“It’s a great thing to do. The teachers are very helpful and you end up with a certificate at the end which really helps to gain work.”
![James working as an apprentice chef at Timboon Distillery](/media/2850/swtafe_cooking250521gw-2_web.jpg?width=1000&height=)