2026 NATIONAL APPRENTICE COMPETITION
The National Final will be held in the Culinary Challenge Arena at Fine Food Australia, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre September 2-3 2026
Australia’s Next Generation of Culinary Talent Shines at the 2026 ACF National Apprentice Competition
Australian Culinary Federation celebrates the outstanding achievements of apprentices and culinary students from across Australia
The Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) is proud to announce the winners and medal recipients of the 2026 ACF National Apprentice Competition, celebrating the skill, dedication and emerging talent of Australia’s next generation of chefs.
Competitors representing Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales/ACT, Queensland and Tasmania came together to demonstrate their culinary skills under competition conditions.
From first-year apprentices taking an important early step in their careers through to final-year apprentices preparing to enter the industry as qualified chefs, the standard of competition demonstrated the depth of talent developing across Australia.
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Regional Finals
Each year, the Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) conducts a cooking competition for all apprentices and culinary students in each Australian state and Territory.
This competition is a fantastic opportunity for chefs in training to enhance their skills and network with industry professionals. It also provides a fun and rewarding learning experience for both staff and students alike.
There are four categories: 1st Year Apprentice, 2nd Year Apprentice, Final Year Apprentice, and Culinary Students. The winner in each category will compete in the National Final.
Competitors:
All applications are to be sent through for you region heat a minimum of 3 weeks prior to competition date
For Competition Convenors: Documentation for the National Final must be submitted to the competition email by 31st July.
Important: The criteria for the National Final will be the same as for the regional finals in all states. VIC TBC
Region Dates 2027
New South Wales
William Angliss Institute, 11 Bowden St, Alexandria, 2015.
Convenor Julio Azzarello 0413 588 366
Tasmania
Venue: TasTAFE Drysdale Campus, 55 Collins St, Hobart
Convenor Michael Norton 0448 807 302
South Queensland
TAFE Queensland Southbank, 66 Ernst Street, South Brisbane, 4101.
Convenor Danny Ward 0412 388 116
South Australia
TAFE SA Regency Campus, 137 Days Rd, Regency Park, 5010.
Convenor Chris Codell 0408 857 293
ACT
Canberra Institute of Technology Woden, Callum Street, Phillip, 2606.
Convenor Ivonne Nathan 0409 260 372
Victoria
Convenor: Targ Howorth
Contact: 0411 472 147
Victorian Criteria Click Here
Victorian Competitors are to enter via their RTO with application form on criteria
Northern Territory
CDU Palmerston, 80 University Ave, Durack
Convenor David Brown 0438 431 750
Western Australia
North Metro TAFE Joondalup, 35 Kendrew Crs, Joondalup
Convenor: Peter Tischhauser
Contact: 0416 126 829
DOCUMENTATION
Each year, the Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) hosts a celebrated cooking competition across all Australian states designed specifically for apprentices and culinary students. This competition offers a fantastic chance for emerging chefs to hone their skills, expand their professional networks, and enjoy a fun and enriching experience alongside their peers. This year we are evolving the competition to include dessert in all 4 categories & all registrations will be through an online form. Please see criteria for more information.
Participants can enter under four categories
1st Year Apprentice – Main Course & Dessert
2nd Year Apprentice – Main Course & Dessert
Final Year Apprentice – Entree Main Course & Dessert
Culinary Students – Main Course & Dessert
Winners from each category will advance to compete in the National Final
*Please note the following links will download to your computer as word documents
RISING STARS
OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST
2019
IMAGES
We love to capture the moments that matter. Check out our 2019 image gallery where apprentices showcased their skills and made life long freindships
2020
Images Tasmania
Tasmania showcased the produce and the rising stars at the 2020 Apprentice competition.