Millicent chef secures scholarship

A MILLICENT first-year apprentice chef has been awarded a $3000 scholarship following a first-time partnership between Group Training Employment (GTE Apprenticeships & Traineeships) and Community Bank Mount Gambier and District.

It’s the first year the scholarship has been awarded, which is designed to financially support a Limestone Coast apprentice or trainee employed by GTE, who is experiencing financial hardship.

Eighteen-year-old Jonathan Bennier began his apprenticeship at Mayura Station’s The Tasting Room in 2024, quickly earning the respect of Head Chef and Restaurant Manager Mark Wright.

Nominating Jonathan for the 2025 scholarship, Mark wrote that the young apprentice showed a keen interest in his work and ‘has a bright future in the hospitality industry’.

Enjoying cooking from a young age, Jonathan said he decided to turn his hobby into a career path and was recommended for the apprenticeship with the Mayura team by one of his high school teachers.

In future years and following the completion of his apprenticeship, Jonathan has big plans to travel internationally to expand his culinary knowledge.

GTE Field Operations Manager Kyle Gleed said the young apprentice was a very worthy first recipient of the scholarship.

“Jonathan is a hard worker and very dedicated to his trade,” he said. “The barriers John has overcome in his personal life has proven his resilience and is solid evidence of the kind good-natured person he really is.

“We know he’s doing well in his workplace and will go on to do big things.”

The scholarship was designed to assist apprentices by reducing costs associated with achieving their qualifications, Mr Gleed said.

“For anyone undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship, costs can mount up when you include travel for work or training, tools or living from home expenses and this scholarship is a way to support our local people choosing a trade.”

Mr Gleed thanked the Community Bank, Mount Gambier and District for their support, recognising the bank has a long-standing Host Employer relationship with GTE.

Five trainees have completed their training at the Mount Gambier branch, with Taylor Freeman also winning the GTE Trainee of the Year Award in 2024.

The scholarship will be offered again in 2026, with nominations expected to open later this year.