International student’s recipe for success

FROM architecture student to hospitality, Sober Ramen chef and co-owner Bo Li has had an amazing journey since he first landed at The Gordon more than five years ago.

As an international student completing his cookery and hospitality, his passion for food and people has grown. “I really enjoyed my time studying with The Gordon. I still have such a strong connection with them,” Bo Li said.

“Having the opportunity to work and co-own Sober Ramen has been a highlight.

“I have been so lucky to work in many venues during my time in Geelong, from Mr Unami, The Barking Bog, The Sphinx and now Sober Ramen.”

Bo Li was invited back to The Gordon this year to be a judge of the regional WorldSkills competition.

“This was an amazing experience to be a part of watching the students perform under pressure, and even more wonderful to now see them working in local venues across Torquay,” he said.

“Our small venue in Little Malop Street is a traditional Japanese dining, compact and busy best suited to two or three diners.

It really is a memorable dining experience, but we wanted to be able to share this with more people. This is why we opened our Torquay restaurant in Bell Street to cater for larger groups and families.”

“The support we have got from The Gordon teacher staff is amazing. Rowan Sapwell, my hospitality management teacher, pops in regularly to see how we are going.

“As a new business in Torquay, we are also so thankful too to the local community our customers during COVID were amazing, and we have managed to keep our doors open.

We are looking forward to our summer season here. Surf Coast people are so nice.

“We are so lucky to be connecting with our local community. We have great young local staff who have stuck with us. It is also great to see six Gordon students working across the

Sober Ramen Group. We know they have been trained well.”

The Gordon has always had a name for training the best chefs, baristas, hospitality managers and pastry chefs.

Now with the recent $23 million redevelopment, The Gordon Culinary School boasts the best facilities in the state.

“Bo Li’s restaurant has great service; great food, and we are so proud to see our students work hard and enjoy success in a venture they love.

Our international students bring so much vibrancy and energy to The Gordon, and we can’t wait to host our next group of students,” Diploma of Hospitality teacher Rowan Sapwell said.

“It’s really exciting times for our region. The hospitality industry has bounced back quickly after a couple of really challenging years.

There is so much scope for growth and new talent now, especially with the expansion of the culinary school at The Gordon and the specialist training.”

If you are interested in a career in the kitchen or front of house, The Gordon has an information session at the Geelong City Campus on Tuesday, December 13 at 5pm, or find out more on The Gordon’s website at thegordon.edu.au

// Sponsored Content