2014
Finalist
Western Australia

Geoffrey Franklin’s journey to become a professional chef started with the purchase of a run-down fish and chip shop in 2010. Realising that he loved cooking and serving food, he turned the business into a thriving eatery and, with the encouragement of his wife, later sold the business and enrolled in Polytechnic West’s Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. Three months later, he commenced an Australian Apprenticeship at Crown Perth. Over the course of his apprenticeship, he completed rotations in a premium buffet, a noodle bar, a gastro pub, an exclusive restaurant and a large casual restaurant.

Qualification: Certificate III in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)

Employer: Crown Perth

Training Provider: Polytechnic West

Geoffrey Franklin’s journey to become a professional chef started with the purchase of a run-down fish and chip shop in 2010. Realising that he loved cooking and serving food, he turned the business into a thriving eatery and, with the encouragement of his wife, later sold the business and enrolled in Polytechnic West’s Certificate III in Commercial Cookery. Three months later, he commenced an Australian Apprenticeship at Crown Perth. Over the course of his apprenticeship, he completed rotations in a premium buffet, a noodle bar, a gastro pub, an exclusive restaurant and a large casual restaurant.

Since starting his apprenticeship as a mature age student, Geoffrey received Burswood’s Rising Star Award in 2012 and Crown Perth’s Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award in 2014, after being named runner-up in 2013.

Geoffrey partnered with another chef to prepare 5000 meals for Perth’s homeless as part of the 2013 Prepare Produce Provide community project, and has previously worked as a marriage celebrant.