NSW Training Awards: Tyler Pockran in running for best school-based apprentice

Apprentice chef Tyler Pockran says he loves the smiles on people’s faces when they eat his food, and he’ll be smiling if he wins at the NSW Training Awards.

Most of his mates are deciding what they would like to do after school, but 17-year-old apprentice chef Tyler Pockran has already nabbed his dream job.

The Blaxland teen’s passion for cooking and dedication to his chosen craft has put him in the running as NSW’s best school-based apprentice.

Mr Pockran has had his sights set on becoming a chef since he was 13, spending his afternoons after school in a local deli, pizza restaurant and later a tapas bar.

“I’ve always been in the kitchen with Mum and we have a few chefs in the family, so I knew hospitality is where my passion lies,” Mr Pockran told The Daily Telegraph.

“I love the creativity and freedoms of cooking and then seeing the joy on people’s faces when they eat the food.”

17-year-old Tyler Pockran, who is a finalist in the School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year award. Picture: Tim Hunter

In 2020, Mr Pockran began a school-based apprenticeship, working at the acclaimed Sydney Japanese restaurant Tetsuya’s.

“It’s been great because I knew I wanted to be a chef, so the traineeship has given me the opportunity to pursue that as well as complete my HSC, so I’m doing what I love and still finishing school,” Mr Pockran said.

To vote for the People’s Choice winner in the NSW Training Awards go to training.nsw.gov.au.